Have you ever known one of those people who just didn't know when to give up? Well, I'm one of those people. For the past two years I have participated in NanoWrimo- the National Novel Writing Month. For those of you not familiar with it, give it a look at www.nanowrimo.org.

The goal of NanoWrimo is for writers to draft out a complete 50,000 word novel within the month. Winning is defined by reaching that word count. Quality does not count for anything so nothing should hold the would-be author back from trying.

For two consecutive years I have entered NanoWrimo and for two consecutive years I have lost. The first year I think I scraped out a measly 25,000 words. Last year, I don't think I even reached the 5,000 word mark. And if that is not pathetic enough, I'm back this year for more.

For those prize-seekers out there, don't waste your time. NanoWrimo is not about winning cash or prizes. (There are none.) NanoWrimo is about the honor, the dedication, the craft, or as in my case, the agony of defeat. Not that I need an annual contest to remind me that I'm a loser…