by Josephine-Anne Griffiths
Gone are the days when I didn’t even know what NaNoWriMo
(National Novel Writing Month) meant. Last November
I decided for the first time to take part in the big one. Yes, you got it
50,000 words, one month and me.
It was an awful lot of words, especially as I had never
attempted anything that massive before.
50,000 words – what
was I thinking? 1,667 words needed to be written on average per day, to stay on
target. Well, that lasted a good couple of days. November 2014 came to a close and I had created 20,000 beautiful
words – actually truth be told, I had in fact written a jumbled mess of heart
wrenching emotions, which just happened to add up to 20,000 words. Hmmm, so why would I go ahead and do it all
over again?
I think the thing that got to me the most during November
was the loneliness. “No man is an island” they say – and how true that is. Yes
writing is an extremely lonely existence, but why would one choose to work alone
when you had the option to be part of a team? Having signed up at the last
minute as my impulsive self usually does, I didn’t really understand how it all
worked. My attitude was a fervent I don’t have time to have buddies; I must
write, write, write!
Sometime in June this year I noticed that there was a
Camp NaNoWriMo. Once again it would be
for a month’s duration, however this time you were free to set your own word
count goal. No matter how large or small, you would be in control. Yippee! I
also noticed that members of Christian Writers’
Downunder were joining up and forming a virtual cabin. Well cabins could
hold just twelve campers, eagerly itching to write their story, poem or draft
novel. I procrastinated like you just wouldn’t believe, not due to the
anticipated pressure of having to write each day. No I pretty much had that
under control; even if I only write 200 words, I do write something every day. No
the problem is that I do have a reputation for biting off much more than I can
chew, when it comes down to just about anything really. The word impulsive comes to mind
once again. Anyway after much dithering
the cabin was completely full, but upon the suggestion of the cabin’s ‘Den
Mother’ Jeanette O’Hagan, I opened a second cabin and consequently became its ‘Den
Mother’ …. ‘Mummy Bear’ or whatever takes your fancy.
Oh dear Jo’Anne,
now what have you got yourself into?
June 30th arrived and we had two cabins ready
and rearing to go. Cabin 1 was
christened “S’mores, Snores and Word Scores” and after some discussion my cabin
was named “Pensive Plotters and Pantsers Fuelled on chocolate”. With twelve
campers in cabin 1 and eight in cabin 2, one of our campers, Naomi suggested
forming a Facebook group to enable better communication between the two cabins,
and of course double the fun and virtual mischief. So viola! “S'mores, Snores and Word Scores for Pensive Plotters and Panters” was born; and as Brian
Maunder said “lol... I love the name of this little group.. A more original
name there ne'er was.”

Twenty Christian writers snuggled into our virtual cabins
for the thirty one days of July. Each cabin load set their space up with
equally appealing home comforts. Well I am certain the S’mores, Snores and Word
Scores would have made themselves at home; as us Pensive Plotters and Pantsers
had all the comforts a serious writer could possibly want. Our list wasn’t too
long but did include indoor fires, cosy quilts, numerous soft cushions and bean
bags, an endless supply of Tim Tams, chocolate coated shortbread, macaroons,
chocolate, marshmallows etc., not to
mention bottomless cups of coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

During the evenings the camp fire was stoked and roaring.
With Brian plucking and strumming on his guitar, I managed to sing a couple of
songs, with our fellow campers wishing that I wouldn’t. Most nights after the
camp fire had done its best, we would retreat to our own cabins to curl up in
front of the indoor fires which were awaiting us. Tim Tam runs were made
between cabins, as well as chocolate and marshmallows depending upon who had
treats to spare. All kinds of shenanigans erupted until the wee small hours of
most mornings; it really is a wonder that so many words were written. Amazing
isn’t it, just how much fun can be had in a virtual cabin with like-minded
people.
Of course it wasn’t all play and no work. Twenty passionate
writers wrote just over 470,000 words during July. What an achievement! Most
campers either achieved or exceeded their word count goals, with those who didn’t
coming extremely close. There were difficult circumstances for many, writing
around family, full-time jobs, sickness, unexpected emotions, writer’s block
etc. I think the most daunting moment for me personally, was when the flash
drive that my work was carefully saved upon was misplaced. It was eventually
found at the bottom of a large and well stuffed handbag. What a relief – around
nine and a half thousand, precious words were at stake.
More so than word count and goals, the most valuable
thing that I will take from this whole experience is the camaraderie,
strengthening of confidence, and sheer joy of achievement. I am sure each and
every one of the campers would feel the same. Three of our campers, Naomi, Mary
and Cate, who live near each other managed to have a couple of writers’
get-togethers. I heard that they had an awesome time, talking, writing, making
new friendships etc. I won’t steal their thunder, as I am sure they will have
much to tell about their experience.
NaNoWriMo July Camp, 2015 was a blast, and yes, I would
do it all again.
S’mores, Snores and Word Scores – Jeanette O’Hagan (Den
Mother), Nola Passmore, Adele Jones, Jo Wanmer, David, Charis Joy Jackson,
Christina Aitken, Adam Collings, Cathie Sercombe, Sue Jeffrey, Kirsten Hart and
T Pariss.
Pensive Plotter and Pantsers Fuelled on Chocolate – Cate
McKeown, Naomi Edwards, Iola Goulton, Brian Maunder, Jacqueline Tasik, Melissa
Khalinsky, Mary Jones and Josephine-Anne Griffiths (aka Mummy Bear).
Please do comment and add your experiences to our story.
What do you think? Fun or not? Maybe some more keen writers will join in next year - we might even need a third cabin!
Author Bio:
Josephine-Anne Griffiths previously worked in the field of finance and administration. Once early retirement became necessary, and having always been an avid reader and passionate writer, the next step became logical. Josephine-Anne, also known as Jo'Anne is married to Leon. They have six children and five granddaughters between them.
You will find Josephine-Anne at: