It’s almost November. While some folks are starting to think about the upcoming holiday season, others have a different quest in mind. November is National Novel Writing Month, and starting on the 1st, around half a million participants will try to write a novel of at least 50,000 words in just one month.

All sorts of folks participate, and there’s a special event for young writers that has a smaller word count. The novels written span the gamut of genres and also include novel length fanfiction. The idea is to start a completely new project, but rebels are welcome to finish existing works. It’s an inclusive environment with only one rule–write all the words!

“Why isn’t Mama playing with us?”   “She has to write all the words.”

It’s not too late to participate. Just head over to the NaNoWriMo website and sign up. There are forums full of advice and a handy word count updater to keep track of your progress. If you complete your book, you win! There are no prizes save bragging rights, but the sponsors do offer some handy writer products for discount prices to those who complete the challenge.

This will be my first NaNo. I did a Nano Camp a couple of Julys ago, and while I enjoyed it, it rather burnt me out. I wasn’t certain I’d participate again. But here it is, almost November, and I’m giving it another go. I need to buckle down on my writing, and this sort of challenge is good motivation.

I hate waiting.

Two weeks ago, I was very motivated. Then I completed my first written outline, and my enthusiasm has been waning. Now, I’m not what they call a “pantser.” (A writer who writes by the seat of their pants, sitting down and typing words without worrying about where the plot is going.) I’m a planner. I always know the main plot and characters as well as the ending before I start writing a book. I just don’t usually write much of that down.

Until now. I completed my written outline last week. I have a list of named characters, places, and a document full of bits of research. I got that all done and was very excited about starting the book.

Then the wait began.

As the days have gone by, I’ve found myself less and less excited about the writing. The wait itself has caused me to lose steam. I’ve done a few things to keep myself interested, like set up a coffee and tea station near my computer and get in some snacks for long writing sessions. That’s helped.

Tiny coffeepot is the perfect size for my Hello Kitty mug.

I think I just need the event to begin already. Once I can start writing those words, I think my original excitement with the project will return. Midnight the 31st, that’s what I’m waiting for. As much as I love Halloween (and it’s my favorite holiday) I’m all ready for it to come and go.

I’m ready to do this.

I love Halloween!