Happy November!

I had some writing friends of mine remind me that the beginning of November means the beginning of NaNoWriMo (aka National Novel Writing Month). Now, I haven’t ever written a novel, but many people also use this time to just write words, even if they aren’t toward a novel. They can be for a poem, a draft, anything really! As long as you write.

Well, I was today years old when I found out that the official NaNoWriMo website was shut down back in April due to financial struggles, content moderation issues, and also AI controversy!!! Apparently, the website was allowing AI-generated content to be submitted, AND TO WIN the awards that were given at the end of the month.

Financial struggles are understandable. The other two?! WILD.

The content moderation involved child grooming, and the failure to handle it. This honestly makes me so sick, and I’m extremely disappointed by the leaders involved with the official NaNoWriMo website about dealing with this issue in such a flippant manner.

I have to say, in regards to the AI issues, I’m shocked but not surprised. Ever since AI has entered the scene, creators have been fighting to remind people of the importance and relevancy of HUMAN ART. Playing with AI seems fun, but in reality, it strips away true creativity and talent from people who actually have worked so hard to get to where they currently are. And that doesn’t necessarily mean that every human artist is an expert, but each one contributes to the value of the human existence through their craft.

So, goodbye and really, good riddance to the official NaNoWriMo website.

HOWEVER! Just because a website has been shut down, doesn’t mean that National Novel Writing Month has to be cancelled. Writers all over will continue to work on their WIPs (works in progress), regardless of being able to count their words “officially” on a site or note. I personally am happy to share my progress with the people I’ve connected with online, and keep in touch with how they’re doing on their writing too!

Hello, new NaNoWriMo! A better way to keep track of my writing than previous years.

Does this mean I’ll be here on the blog every day this month?

I have high hopes that I can do this every day. But we will definitely see! Maybe I’ll do better with people keeping me accountable.

Happy NaNoWriMo! 🩵

Mishy 🦋☁️