The Dark, Uncomfortable Truth of Nanowrimo ...OR AITA?

TL;DR

NaNoWriMo is a wonderful creative endeavor, but I don't want to read your book because critiquing it is an unfair burden and I value my reading time.

Transcript

so we're in the throes of NaNoWriMo we're well over a million aspiring authors attempt to put 50,000 words to the page before the end of the month this is such a wonderful creative endeavor something that is normally a very solitary experience tied to a larger community it's the IRL manifestation of what we readers here enjoy on booktube but applie... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ NaNoWriMo fosters a supportive writing community but also presents social expectations for manuscript feedback.
• ❓ Critiquing someone's manuscript can be an unfair burden on friends and acquaintances.
• ❓ Hiring professional editors provides more thorough and unbiased feedback.
• 🫠 Reading choices are personal and depend on individual readers' preferences and commitments.
• 👅 Friends may have different tastes in books, which could impact their ability to enjoy or provide constructive criticism for a manuscript.
• 💦 The author suggests supporting friends by buying their published works.
• 🥺 Social contracts and expectations in borrowing books can lead to discomfort and pressure.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why don't you want to read my book?

Reading and critiquing someone's manuscript is a significant time commitment with little recompense. It is unfair to put that burden on a friend or acquaintance.

Q: Can I get constructive criticism for my book?

Constructive criticism can be helpful, but it's better to hire a professional editor who can provide comprehensive feedback tailored to your work.

Q: Why should I finish my book if you won't read it?

Finishing your book is important for your growth as a writer, but readers' personal preferences and time limitations vary. Not everyone will be interested in your work.

Q: Can I ask my friends to read my manuscript?

While it's understandable to turn to friends for support, it is often better to seek unbiased feedback from complete strangers on platforms like Wattpad.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NaNoWriMo is a community-driven event where aspiring authors attempt to write 50,000 words in a month.

• While the NaNoWriMo community is encouraging and enthusiastic, there is a dark side to the event.

• The author explains the reasons why they don't want to read other people's manuscripts and suggests alternatives for receiving feedback.