Now many people compare NaNoWriMo to climbing a mountain or running a
marathon and that’s great but I’ve never done either of those things and I’m
sure a lot of people haven’t either. So I thought it would make a lot more
sense if the journey of NaNo was turned into a story. Now that’s something we
can all get on board with.
“Mighty warrior! Where have you
been? No, no, no. No excuses. Planning, what’s that? No. The Kingdom’s in danger!
Don’t ask questions! Just go!”
You manage to catch yourself as
the irritating wizard pushes you out the door. A world of light and colour and
possibility is stretched out in front of you but you have no idea where to go.
There are various paths you could wander down or you could make your own. You
think about it for a moment, tapping your fingers on the hilt of your sword,
and make your choice.
Though the journey seems perilous
at first, the day is actually quite bright. You’re making good time, enjoying
the walk as you make your way deeper and deeper into the forest. A shiver runs
up your spine and you rub your arms for warmth as you continue on and on. You
can’t remember when this feeling took hold of you but its immense grip is
unyielding. Now the trees are getting thicker and thicker and you can’t see the
glory of the Kingdom no matter which way you turn. You keep treading your path
but it feels more ridiculous each minute. What were you thinking setting out on
this journey? You thought you were prepared, but now you’re in the forest,
stuck and lost, you’re not so sure.
Giving up seems pretty good right
now. There’s a little sheltered area by that tree you could curl up in. The
morning would come and you would make your way back. But no. Having to face the
irritating wizard with failure is more than you can stomach, so you stumble on
ahead.
Goblins giggle from out of sight,
winding your nerves tighter and tighter. They enjoy mocking you and dancing
along the path in front of you. They’re waiting for you to pay attention to
them. Waiting for you to change your mind. You do not.
The fatigue is starting to tear
you down now. You’re not sure where you’re going or if you’re going to get
there. You just stagger through the forest trying not to trip and when you do
fall, you dust yourself off and get straight back up, though you’re not sure
why.
You want to cry when a huge ogre
shows its head, roaring louder than any sound you’ve ever heard. You discover
two options, fight the ogre or sneak around it. With your brain just about
working, you make your choice.
Just when you start to see the
Kingdom in the distance and feel a pull in your heart so strong you want to
drop to your knees, a dragon appears. Its enormous frame and thick tail
overwhelms you but you have no choice. There’s no way around this one and no
turning back now. The Kingdom is just there. Only a short walk away. You can’t
give up now. You’re so close.
Yelling with a passion you
thought had long since abandoned you, you fight the gigantic beast. Over and
over again you are almost defeated but you manage to dodge and slice your way
to victory.
You are unsteady on your feet as
you limp to the Kingdom, wondering if it was all worth it. But what’s that? In
the distance?
Cheering.
Thousands of people flood through
the gates and throw you up into the air, carrying you inside. The colours and
sounds of happiness and freedom envelop you and you have a moment to celebrate
before you collapse into the sleep you so deserve.
You did it.
You’re a true hero.
I believe in you, mighty warrior. I await here with a feast just for
you. If you listen hard, you might just hear me cheering.
First Blogged on Movellas
Read my NaNo Pep Talk from 2014
Read my How To Survive NaNoWriMo blog
Want to be NaNo buddies? Me too! I'll add everyone. NaNo is more fun with friends.
Molly Looby
Author / Editor in Chief at Molten Publishing / Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Ready
