I don’t do National Novel Writing Month. At least not officially. For one thing, November has historically been a busy month for me with my family and holidays. Additionally, I am a contrary individual. Tell me I have to write 1,667 words a day and I subconsciously set my jaw against being told what to do.
It’s true. So, I have written upwards of 70,000 words a month…in July. In May, in February, even! But not in November.
This year, I am working on a project for NaNo, even so. Unofficially. I am going to finish a book (for the third time!) that I first put pen to paper for on December 1, 1997. Yep. I started to write my very first with a ballpoint pen on a yellow legal pad almost twenty-five years ago.
I know. Surprised me, too!
I wrote it in about thirty days (first draft) and was enormously proud of myself. I wrote the second draft a few years later. Not as proudly, I admit, because by then I’d done a few projects and knew I had a lot to learn.
This time, I am thinking it’s improved a lot. We’ll see! More on The Project as the month goes along.
If you’re writing for NaNo, I wish you ALL THE BEST. Remember, this month, it’s all about quantity, not quality. Don’t edit until at least December!
P.S. My goal this year is about 1K/Day. I think I can keep that up. And it’ll be enough to finish my THIRD first draft. lol
Sandi Layne 