November Events

I just finished the first week of National Novel Writing Month, wherein writers are challenged to write 50,000 words in the month of November. This is the first year I’ve participated, and I must say it has been a learning experience.

First of all, I learned that I can write more than I realized. It doesn’t take an 8-hour day to write 1,667 words. That’s the word count necessary to do every day in order to reach the 50,000 word goal of NaNoWriMo. In fact, I’ve done most days in a couple of hours. I’m a little bit behind the recommended amount, but I’m close enough that I can boost the average if needed. As of the end of the day on November 7th, I had logged 10,045 words.

Second, I learned that writing every day around a busy schedule is not as impossible as I thought it would be. Granted, I’ve done quite a bit of research, but not enough to warrant taking 10 months to write 15,000 words, which I did this year.

Third, I learned that I don’t need to neglect my family, my friends, my other life obligations and activities, my personal hygiene, or my need for sustenance (other than caffeine).

Finally, the experience of participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) has been liberating. It has taught me that yes, I am now a real author and I like the lifestyle.

I’ll post again at least at the end of November, so I can let you know how I did at the finish line. 50K or not 50K – that is the question. In the meantime, I would like to invite all of you who live in the Spokane area to my book signing Saturday, November 21 from 1-3 p.m. at Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave., Spokane, Washington. Hope to see you there.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!