You don't have to be crazy to participate

but it is a requirement. If I stroll around the NaNo-forums too much, that's the impression I get. I do understand that writing 1667 words each day, especially for those who aren't used to it, isn't easy. I didn't find it easy either when I participated. What I do find slightly disconcerting at times is the deeply held conviction that you can't do NaNo unless you put the rest of your life on hold until December 1. There's no consideration sometimes for the other people in your life, even small kids. They just have to fence for themselves while mummy or daddy or both are pounding away on the keyboard. Writing is an egotistical activity that shuts out other people, I know, but this seems too absurd.

Yes, I do recognise that a lot of the time hyperbole is used, and no responsible parent is going to let his four-year-old make his own hot dinner. I just don't like the attitude that the rest of the world can o hang while the NaNovel gets written.