I’ve been a devotee of National Novel Writing Month for more than 15 years. The NaNoWriMo challenge to write a draft of a full novel in 30 days in November was what helped me finish writing my first novel, Artifact. Before that, since I wasn’t a good writer yet, I kept trying to edit all of my writing to make it good. I hadn’t yet realized the importance of reaching THE END of a story. NaNoWriMo is what got me there.
I love to accept the challenge each November, because it gives my me the push to go ALL IN to writing a draft of a book I’m playing with. Book deadlines are great, because otherwise I would endlessly fiddle with a book, trying to reach a state of perfection that’s impossible. But a deadline? It tricks the mind into doing its best with a set amount of time.
This month, I’m starting late, but I know I can still do it. I’m focusing on the 7th Accidental Alchemist novel. I’ve got coffee, favorite mugs, a paper notebook, my laptop, and inspirational helpers like Animal from the Muppets to keep me going!
