NaNoWriMo: Daring Greatly & 8 Other Inspirational Quotes for Authors

I'm biting my nails to get the third installment of the In the Reins series back from my editor for my final edits, but she's informed me it won't be until the end of November. So, what's an anxious author to do during the down time? I guess I should write. Ha, ha. To keep my fingers out of my mouth, I decided to keep them busy on the keyboard and take on my first ever NaNoWriMo to write the fourth book in the In the Reins book series.

Then I got worried ...

I started to wonder what will keep me moving forward when (not if) I get stuck trying to make the daily word count, so I decided to pull together quotes of inspiration on "why I write" to reflect on when I'm stopped. My hopes are reviewing these quotes will help me push through, and I hope this post help inspire fellow NaNoWriMo authors, too! Here are my nine quotes to inspire writing during NaNoWriMo ...

First, what the heck is NaNoWriMo? ​

​National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a NaNoWriMo) is a yearly event where writers challenge themselves to write 50,000 words in 30 days. That comes out to about 1,667 words a day, which I've heard scientists have determined is the perfect amount to boost creativity. NaNoWriMo starts on November 1st at 12:00:01 a.m., and continues until November 30th at 11:59:59 p.m.
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Novelists from all around the world come together online (and in person) to share daily progress, challenge themselves with writing dares, and cheer each other on. My spurs are really jingling because I love it when #authorsunite! 

Now for those inspirational quotes to keep the words flowing during NaNoWriMo.

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On Daring Greatly

I just finished reading Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I would highly recommend both books to anyone aspiring to live life to the fullest and with an open heart. This quote from one of Theodore Roosevelt's speeches was shared in the introduction to Daring Greatly, and I found myself utterly moved as I read it. I am proud to be a woman in the arena daring greatly by authoring my own books and facing the pleasures and the pain of being an independent author. Let's do this NaNoWriMo!

Daring Greatly Quote Photo via Pinterest

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On Success

A little progress each day adds up to BIG results ... Ahem, 1,667 words written each day during the month of November that is! 

Quote Image Via Pinterest

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On Following that Strange Pull

The journey I've been on with my books reminds me of this Rumi quote. It really sums up the pull my love for creative writing has on me. That love, that pull has not led me astray. I’m glad I've had the courage to follow the pull. I am one lucky author cowgirl. I feel so blessed by those who have supported me, the readers who have enjoyed In the Reins and the equestrian community that has embraced me as an author of equestrian fiction. 

Rumi Quote Image Via Pinterest

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On Writing by Steven King

I highly recommend Stephen King's On Writing. It is an insightful exploration of an author's journey. I loved this book as a reader and a writer. I discovered this book through its high ratings in the writing community. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. This is a book for anyone who writes, anyone who aspires to write, anyone interested in knowing a little more about the life of an author or someone interested in knowing more about Stephen King as he gives a brief history of what led him to where he is now. A great read for any author, and a good book to keep on hand during NaNoWriMo.

Quote Image Via Pinterest

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On the Law of Attraction

This is what I say to myself before I start to write … 
I am a writer.
I am an author.
I am creative.
I attract all things necessary for fulfilling my writing goals.

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On Failure

I’ve found that when something seems scary it’s usually the path I need to take. I often wonder if I'll have anything to say when I sit down to my writing sessions, but then I JUST DO IT and the words magically come. 

Quote Graphic Via Pinterest

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On Creating Something that Never Existed Before

I'll never forget the spur jingling sensation I experienced the first time I held my book in my hands. There certainly is something magical about creating something that never existed before. Thinking about this quote makes me proud to be an author and excited to write another book during NaNoWriMo!

Quote Graphic Via Pinterest

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On My Heart Telling Me to Write

If your heart tells you to write then you must write! ​Don’t be afraid. Live your dream of being an author every day. Fall in love with your book because no one can write the way you do! You are unique! Wake up excited to write! What we think we become ... trust your creativity.

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I'll be writing JD's Story during NaNoWriMo

By the time December 1st comes around, I hope I will have created the first draft of the fourth book in the In the Reins series. Right now, I'm calling it JD's Story. I can't wait to see where my bull riding heartthrob takes me in the next book during NaNoWriMo.

So, starting on November 1st, I'll be joining the thousands of people participating in NaNoWriMo with the goal of completing a 50,000 word manuscript by the end of the month. The goal is to write 1,667 words a day! Wish me luck. I'm giving this a go because I want to be able to write books even faster for you!

Learn more about NaNoWriMo here: https://nanowrimo.org/

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year?
​What's your favorite inspirational quote about writing?
What do you do when you find yourself stopped?
I'd love to hear from fellow NaNoWriMo-ers in the comments.

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Want More Inspiration? 

Do you ever need a little inspiration to help the writing process? I know I do, so I made a "Words of Wisdom"​ and "To Inspire Writing" Pinterest board. I plan to visit them often for inspiration this November. I hope you do, too! I aim to pin inspiring words that fellow authors can gallop into NaNoWriMo with! Click the images below.

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