> As it got more popular, people began to look at ways to "cheat." Outlining and writing some words before November. Not writing fiction. Using stuff they'd wri

> As it got more popular, people began to look at ways to "cheat." Outlining and writing some words before November. Not writing fiction. Using stuff they'd written before and expanding it. It was the ultimate self deception. You don't win anything. You don't even have to prove you wrote anything. Just log in every day and change a number if you want the silly badge. I think the challenge and fun of trying to write a first draft in a month is a great thing and I'm annoyed that it's become so politicised and monetised. If you want to do it, don't feel like you have to go through nanowrimo. Find a few like minded people to urge you on and do it under your own terms. That's what I do now.