Here we are half way through the month! Am I half way through my book?
Ahem. Not exactly.
Remember how I mentioned in my last post to anticipate challenges? Well, I was very wise to write that.
My family attended a funeral last weekend, and it was absolutely necessary to put the writing aside for things much more important. I was focused on being with family, giving hugs, freeing some tears, and expressing love to those around me as we said goodbye to a sweet, little life that had barely entered this world. Being there that weekend was infinitely more important than writing.
My husband also went out of town for work, which he almost never does, while I stayed at home with the kids trying to keep the usual routines going. Didn't really get much writing done on those days either.
But that's not to say that the book isn't coming along. I am pretty close to my mid-point goals, and I have a plan to catch up and stay on track. I appreciate those days when my inspiration is flowing, and I'm able to write above the daily word count goal, even if only by a few words. It all adds up and makes me feel okay about those days when it's harder.
Right now, I'm at 22,367 words.
My thoughts so far? My writing is improving. I really think so. I guess the test will be when others read it and I start editing, but taking time to focus on a writing project more intensely from start to finish is an experience I would recommend for anyone willing to put in the time. No matter what, I have 22,367 more words written right now that I probably would have written had I not committed to NaNoWriMo.
I am also the kind of writer who has lots of little light bulbs flicking on when I write, so some of my best ideas come in the moment. It's a testimony to me that you just have to take that leap sometimes! So take that leap and write your heart out! Good luck to all you fellow writers also in the throes of NaNoWriMo!