Once again it was a great event. This year marks my sixth time participating. Since I’m dealing with burnout issues, my family thought I was totally bonkers for even trying NaNo, but I had a plan! And yes, it was cunning!
All right, so there were all kinds of reasons not to even attempt NaNoWriMo this year, but I also had some really good reasons for trying: 1) hadn’t really written anything of note since November 2013; 2) the first installment of The DeFord Chronicles came out in 2006; 3) I really, really need to finish the first draft of The DeFord Chronicles, Part II. Thus, the plan…
- Step 1. Primary goal is do not stress. No word count panic allowed.
- Step 2. If I start panicking, or stressing about word count, I will quit.
- Step 3. I don’t like quitting.
- Step 4. Secondary goal is finish the draft.
- Step 5. Tertiary goal is win if possible or necessary to finish the draft.
Once again I hosted (hostessed?) the NaNorphans Guild for Mentorless Newbies. It was a pleasure, as always to see new WriMos blossom, and be part of making it a positive experience for them. And if anyone thought I was obnoxious, they had the grace not to mention it. J
Had to take this week off. I’ve got three kids and a husband with strep. I’m thinking of referring to this week as Strep Fest 2014. Now the remaining kid and myself have to watch out for symptoms. So far so good on that. One of the sickos also has a nasty cold, probably the same one the others had over Thanksgiving break. There have been a lot of missed school days in this house, but hopefully on Friday they’ll all be back in…or is that out?
The draft writing will continue and I hope with regular writing sessions to complete it before the year’s end.
You can read a sample of this November’s efforts on my NaNoWriMo Profile page here.
NaNo was something of a healing event for me. Taking the time to write was immensely helpful and remarkably restful for me. I did lose some sleep, but that was mostly sleep I would have lost anyway so I'm not counting it. With a renewed creative energy, not at my best yet but definitely improved, I plan to resume blog posting on Wednesdays. I can't promise I'll always have something interesting to say, but I'll at least share something.
Until next week,
Kate
P.S. Check out my inspiration board on Pinterest for The DeFord Chronicles, Part II. I'm looking for good pictures of castles surrounded by snow for inspiration for upcoming scenes set at the royal family's winter palace. If you see one, let me know.