So, regarding NaNoWriMo, what exactly is a novel? Wordnik has this to say:
A fictitious prose narrative or tale, involving some plot of more or less intricacy, and aiming to present a picture of real life in the historical period and society to which the persons, manners, and modes of speech, as well as the scenery and surroundings, are supposed to belong.
That makes mud look like a clear substance. A better definition probably comes from the characterization of pornography by Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart:
I know it when I see it.
Do I even want to write a novel? I suppose when someone asks themselve this question, probably not. Don’t even attempt NaNoWriMo unless there’s no doubt in your mind you can do this. On the contrary, you must do this. No less than full dedication can pull you through.
Well, that rules me out. Don’t let this stop you.