Every November NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) rolls around, and just about everyone who would like to write a novel wonders: Should I be part of it?

After all, doesn’t the thought of writing 50,000 words in a month or finally getting your first draft done give you a thrill?

So, you may be wondering — Should I participate in NaNoWriMo? Would it work for me? Why or why not?

The answer depends on you — your personality, how you work best, your current circumstances.

Here are some reasons why you should NOT to participate …

You don’t like structure (especially someone else’s) … you are too busy that month … you’re experiencing temporary health issues that need  your attention … you already have a system that’s working for you … you don’t want any more pressure … you’d be disappointed in yourself if you failed … you like to write, then edit, write more, then edit again–an endless loop until you’re done.

Here are some reasons why you SHOULD participate …

You need a kick in the butt to make some real progress on an idea or a manuscript you’ve already started … you are better motivated when you are part of a group effort … you enjoy the online social interaction … the motivational tips they send keep you moving forward … you are fine with vomiting out 50,000 words even if you know you’ll have a huge editing job afterwards … you can control your urge to edit what you’ve just written and keep writing … you are ready, willing, and able to commit to achieving the writing goal.

To be candid, I’ve never personally participated in NaNoWriMo, although I’ve considered it. For me, it’s just not the way I work. Even so, I appreciate hearing about it every year (and that’s one reason I’m writing about it, to benefit YOU). Knowing there are thousands of other writers out there typing their brains out just like me gives me a boost of adrenaline. And that’s what I need to keep on writing. Because it does get lonely. It does get tedious. It does take so much time!

So even if you decide not to sign up for NaNoWriMo, you can still benefit from knowing there are plenty of others like you–drafting, editing, searching for the a word that pops, trying to create a perfect phrase, struggling with the next plot point … I could go on, but you get it.

Now, whether you take part in NaNoWriMo or not, stop procrastinating and go write that novel!