National Novel Writing Month - Day 8 - Later

After two hours in front of my computer, I’ve written 726 words, planned my Thanksgiving menu, and decided what to cook next week. I’ve run out of writing steam. I know exactly what I want to write next, but...I just don’t seem to want to write it. Maybe it needs more time to simmer in my mind before I write it. Maybe I need to take a break. Maybe my writing muscles are just tired. Maybe I’ve gotten so used to writing in fits and starts that it’s hard to make use of those rare long stretches of time. Maybe I just need some good old fashioned discipline.
Probably it’s all of those things are more. I finally managed to squeak out 1,012 words in the end, in addition to employing the trick that has worked well for me in the past. I’ve found that ending a scene and beginning a new one before putting the story aside for the day builds momentum. I don’t have to sit and figure out how to get into the next scene or where to start. I’m already there, the conversation is already going so it’s easier to jump right in.
Ah, well. Time to be content with my 1,012 words and move on.

National Novel Writing Month - Day 8

It’s only Day 8 of NaNoWriMo, and I’m already making vows about next year. Next year, I’m going to plan ahead and a create plot outline and character sketches so my fingers don’t hang idly over my keyboard while I try to think of a name for my protagonist’s future brother-in-law. Next year, I’m going to cook ahead so my children aren’t groaning, “Not fish sticks again?” at dinner time. Next year I’m going to tackle Mt. Washmore before Halloween so I’ll have more time to write. Well, maybe not. Dirty laundry has a way of multiplying exponentially behind my back during every 24 hour period.
As for the writing, well, it’s pretty awful. I’m making an effort not to worry about that. Writing 50,000 words on a novel in 30 days is sort of like spinning a tangle rather than a skein of thread. At the end, you have some thread that you can wind into a skein and weave into something you can be proud of. And then you also have lots of tangled and frayed bits that are destined for the trash. So, here’s to tangling!
Today’s Goals:
Writing 2200 words
Spending at least 15 minutes cleaning out my fridge and freezer
Writing out bills, what fun!