I’m always excited at this time of the year. Not because of any particular seasonal event, but because of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month in November).
The challenge to write at least 50,000 words in 30 days is shrouded by as many emotions as an author can use to describe how one of their characters is feeling.
Some people will begin at exactly midnight, or 1 second past midnight, on November 1 so they say that they started at the very beginning. Others will not be able to do that due to having to go to work; or get family off to work and school. Others will wait patiently until they are in the best place to write. (that last comment alone can evoke all sorts of arguments.)
For me, November 1 is a day off work. I won’t be starting at midnight, which wold make me one of the first to start, I’ll be starting in the afternoon when all the chores are done, appointments have been attended and online conversations have ceased for the day.
NaNo (for short) has an anticipated daily limit and that is by no means where I will stop. Once I get into the flow, I will keep on going until I need to eat, go to the bathroom, refill my glass, or whatever necessitates me stopping. In the past, my best NaNo day was about 7500 words over the course of 6 hours. I may or may not emulate that feat, but if I do, I will be pleased, as those sorts of writing days set me up for the days when I can’t get as much done.
My folder of notes is ready. My spreadsheets are ready. My pens are ready, even though I generally don’t use them, except for editing. I will make sure the jugs are full and in the fridge. I may even force myself to have fruit ready rather than other sorts of stimuli. I should probably pull together some new music lists but will most likely revert to what I have been using for years.
Bring on November 1.
GA Howie's Blog 