Sunday, November 25, 2012

5 Days and Counting

Well, it's nearly over.  There are 5 days left before my 50,000 words need to be finished.  So how am I doing?

Sadly, I'm behind.

I'm not freaking out just yet, though.  I have less than 14,000 words to go, and in 5 days, I think I can manage.  It means picking up the pace and cranking out about 3k a night, but I'm trying to motivate myself with a box of my favorite chocolate, and the promise of a break come December 1st.

Operation: Find Second Wind officially started yesterday, with heavy planning and complicated strategies.  Actually, it mostly consisted of me turning off my TV and sitting down at my computer the second my kids were in bed.  That's been the most important thing I've learned during this experiment: tuck kids in, kiss them good night, and get to writing.  No side tracking to watch one of the many recorded shows I've missed this month.  No reading one more chapter of whatever book I'm in the middle of.  7 pm to 10 pm is writing time.  No exceptions.

Except that I did make a few exceptions.  Thanksgiving.  A second Thanksgiving with the other half of my family.  A couple of nights where my husband and I were able to escape the kids for a few hours and go to dinner.  The night everyone in the house was sick except me.  That's how I got behind.  I didn't make room in my schedule for the unexpected illness, unplanned dates, or impossibly busy days.

The pace I set myself for NaNo was unrealistic.  I know there are lots of people, all over the world, that are already finished.  I congratulate them for their determination and ability to persevere.  They are superstars in my eyes.  For me, NaNo has been a learning experience.  I found out it's a lot easier to carve out 3 writing hours each day than I expected.  I thought it would feel like a chore, but instead it was something to look forward to.  I knew I'd have time to explore my story each night, and that I didn't have to stay up till the wee hours of the morning to hit my word count.  I'm absolutely going to apply this lesson long after NaNo has ended, and because of that, I already feel like a NaNo winner.

So whether I finish or not, I'm glad I've had the opportunity to experience NaNo this year.  I don't see myself transforming into the type of writer that spits out a book every month, but I can be more consistent with my time management, and I know now that I need to schedule a few days off each week.  It has been enlightening, challenging, and a lot of fun.

For all writers working on projects this month, congrats.  You rock!  Don't give up on your stories, or your dreams.  As November draws to a close, give yourselves a pat on the back, and go find yourself a candy bar.  You earned it.

13 comments:

  1. Go, Trisha, go! You have my awe and amazement. This is the first time in five years that I have given up without giving it a real shot...there was one other year that I didn't quite finish, but I still wrote tens of thousands of words. Between my sprained finger, my travelling across the country for my grandfather's funeral and my new job, I just didn't have what it takes this time.

    Let me tell you what I've learned from this side of Nanowrimo. Life is crazy in November. How do we add in writing a book? It's insane and incredible, and I can't imagine how I ever did it. I'll give it another go next year, but in the meantime, I have a new appreciation for the people who are doing it this year!

    Keep us posted on your word count!!!!!!

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  2. You're amazing! Just push through.

    I agree with Melanie. You should post your word count here on the comments so we can cheer you on.

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  3. I've always wondered why they chose November for Nanowrimo. It is the second worse month to try to write a novel in, at least in my experience. But way to go Trisha. You can do it, and even if you don't, you're still amazing. :)

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  4. I've almost the same amount of words left to write! My daughter was quite sick twice this month so it delayed me a good bit. I've learned the same lessons :-)

    Hope you make your word count!!

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  5. Congrats on getting so far already! I am in awe of all you folks who crank out 50,000 words in one month. And I bet you'll have no trouble finishing, and I hope you'll have one of those moments where the words just pour out.

    Keep us posted!

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  6. My word count has not budged. I spent most of Sunday sleeping, and have been too tired to write at night. Over the weekend (not long after scheduling my post) I found out why I'm so exhausted this week. (And sick to my stomach, and having back pain...the list goes on.) I'm pregnant! I guess sometimes life throws us unexpected curve balls. :)

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    1. Congrats Trisha!!! Take it easy and don't worry about your word count. I think 14,000 words are automatically rewarded for all pregnant Nanowriters. :) Way to go!!!

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  7. Congratulations Trisha!!! MaryAnn is right. You automatically win Nanowrimo if you find out you're pregnant in November. So double congratulations!

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  8. Ah! Congrats! Wow, what a fabulous surprise for you.

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  9. Ha, yeah, it was a HUGE surprise, but a welcome one. :)

    Thanks everyone!

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  10. I ended with 36,602 for my final word count. Very close, but not close enough! I'll try again in a year or two. It was a lot of fun. :)

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