where the writers are
Thirty Days in November

Because I've never done it myself, I probably shouldn't be expressing an opinion on NaNoWriMo, the month when writers attack their keyboard or typewriter keys with a dedicated ferocity and attempt to write as many words as they can on that new novel they've been thinking about writing and just haven't quite gotten around to yet.  Because I am one othose who can only create in one form at a time and this seems to be my poetry period, I have passed on the novel idea.  That is my this year's excuse.  As a sporadic writer I can only admire those who, determined to complete a novel in 30 days, actually sit down and do it.  But this year, for the first time I can remember, there seems to be a murmer of unenthusiasm, a little chord of disharmony that has arisen and asks "Is this month really necessary?"  Well, Obviously it isn't to every writer.  Those who have established themselves in the world of agents, publishers or even self-publishers do not need a special month to hone their talents.  it is something they do all year.  What I have noticed among the objectors is that with the advent of computers and all their electric kin, a writer can by-pass the hassle of locating agents and publishers and simply print and publish their work themselves.  Which means that the reading public can be exposed to so many, many, many books that trying to get an idea of the book's quality or suitability is difficult or almost non-existant.  A recent artcile asks "Do we really need 180 thousand more novels written this month?"  Another question could be "How many of these novels will find readers?"  There are reports of people reading fewer books each year.  Newspapers and magazines are also facing fewer readers.  Actually, there are worse ways people can spend their time besides writing novels.  There are no laws forcing everything that is published to be read.  If people want to improve their writing skills and are willing to spend thirty days doing that, who has a right to complain?Well, yes, we live in a democracy and have all kinds of rights.  We just don't have the right to enforce our opinions on others,  If your neighbor is still sitting at his computer at 4:00am, perhaps he will turn out a western that is equal to Lonesome Dove.  Or not.  At least, no one will force you to read it.  Perhaps a new Jane Austen will emerge from these thirty days of practice.  All she needs may be a little encouragement, and one thing we don't have the right to do is to discourage people from trying something they might have thought of doing for years but just never got around to it.