I did it. I made the decision and I’m not turning back. I signed up and I will hold myself accountable. This year, I will participate in National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo).
It’s exciting to think about writing an entire draft of a novel in one month. I’ve never done that before. Usually, I labor over a story for years. That’s why I’m nervous, too. What if the words don’t flow? What if the ideas don’t come? What if I fail?
And what to write? Loyal readers will know that I’m working on a fantasy trilogy. Right now, I’m typing up the second book, but simply continuing that process for NaNoWriMo feels like cheating. Yet I’m not ready to start drafting the third book. Other stories have been bouncing around in my head, at least. One stands out and feels like a perfect fit for this event.
There will be no magic. There will be no far-off lands or forgotten kingdoms. This book will tell the story of everyday people doing everyday things. Perhaps the change of pace will help me to return to fantasy in December with a fresh perspective and a revitalized imagination.
Already I feel terribly unprepared, but I have no intention of giving up—even when I feel like my writing is going nowhere. I know myself and I know that that feeling will come. The most important thing is that I have the support of my husband. When I vacillated between whether or not I should take this on, he said, “I think you should do it.” Repeatedly.
26 days. 50,000 words. Can I do it? Wait and see.
You can do this!! I’m excited for you!!