Chasing the Magic: My Journey through Nanowrimo Writing Attempts

Every year, thousands of aspiring writers gather for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a month-long challenge to write a 50,000-word novel. As part of this exciting literary sprint, I've dedicated my days to crafting stories ranging from fantasy to romance, each with its unique charm and challenges. In this article, I'll share the stories I've managed to start and the ones that remain unwritten dreams.

Unfinished Tales

First on the list is a trilogy of fairy tales with a modern twist: The Fairy and The Messenger. This story revolves around a fairy who also happens to be a doctor. Despite my passion, this project has only seen the light of the world in seventh form – a modest accomplishment eight attempts later. Each of these attempts has left the story incomplete, belying the tenacity of both fairy and author.

Next up is a collection of poems, simple and heartfelt, to which a former partner brought the harsh reality of criticism, ending the project before it was ever really begun. Despite the setback, the poems have remained an emotional touchstone, reflecting my innermost feelings.

Then there's Agents of Desire, a Harry Potter fanfiction about Harry and Draco. This story has always held a special place in my heart. Though I published parts of it on Archive of Our Own (AO3), I'm hardly certain whether said parts complete the full narration. For those readers who eagerly awaited a conclusion, I apologize for the incomplete journey.

In my quest for a tale of duality, I delved into dystopian fantasy with Pandora's Love. This story involves a princess who, after discovering her homosexuality, falls in love with her new lady-in-waiting in a world that rejects such unions. Despite its flaws, I hold Pandora's Love dear for its themes of acceptance and unapologetic love.

Fantasy Novels

Four fantasy novels have stood the test of time: The Assassin’s Flute, The Enchanter’s Pearls, The Tengu’s Jewels, and The Dragon’s Vow. These stories are not only tales of magic and adventure but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of a writer. Each is available at , allowing readers to embark on their own fantastical journeys.

Other Writing Attempts

Four other writing attempts remain in my digital archives, waiting for my return. The first is a memoir of a group of teenage girls and their adventures with frisbee, undoubtedly filled with pranks and action, if only the plot had been fleshed out.

Secondly, I've crafted a story about a robotics team, a passion project that has seen 6,000 words come to life. Although my focus wavered due to other commitments, I find my excitement reignited merely by contemplating the future of this narrative.

Another intriguing project is a serial killer investigation, a dark and thrilling tale. The outline traces the journey of a detective-narrator who doubles as the killer, creating a game of cat and mouse with his team to ensure he departs the force on the best terms. This story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving a perfect opportunity for a continuation.

Lastly, a superhero mentored by a super-hero university plays a significant role. Such a figure "feeds" off death, a power he feels conflicted about. His journey through the university hopes to address these feelings while finding a way to use his abilities for good rather than evil.

Conclusion

Throughout my writing journey, I've faced countless challenges and heartaches. However, these stories remain a source of inspiration and encouragement. NaNoWriMo serves as a reminder that it's the process of creation, not the perfect ending, that defines a writer./p>