Getting Ready to Write a Novel in a Month with NaNoWriMo

Well, you’ve always wanted to write a novel someday but have just never “gotten around to it”. Here is your chance to get that creative boost you’ve been looking for! Or so I was encouraged in the article National Novel Writing Month

Apparently, November is the National Novel Writing Month and to celebrate there is a challenge for all writers and wannabes to give their pens a workout by writing a 175 page (50,000 words!) novel beginning November 1st and ending November 30th. I’m intrigued! I’m a writer! I want to write a novel! I need a kick in the pants! 

OK, you’ve talked me into it. I’ll sign up. After all, I need to get ready right?

Visiting the website I browse through the “How it works” page and the FAQ’s page. So far so good. I select “I’m 13 and over and signing up for the first time”. Still doing good. Donation? Ha! I’m a writer remember. But I really like the idea of postponing chores until December. I wonder if I could actually get away with that. Now to get connected and find a region to participate in. Wow. My entire state is a region all its own. Isn’t that the truth?

50,000 words in a month. That’s over 1,600 words per day. With two children under two. What was I thinking? Now my palms are sweaty and my hands slipping on the keyboard. My head is pounding the mantra “What were you thinking?” That little whispering voice in my head? Yeah…it’s screaming.

Take a deep breath. Relax. You don’t need to sleep for a month. It’ll be just like college again. I think I might enjoy this. Hey look! 290 words already! No problem!

All I need is a great topic. We all know how easy it is to write about a great topic. When you have that inspiration the words just flow out of you faster than bath water out of the tub when my two year son is playing.