The First 20k.

They say the first cut is the deepest. By they, I mean animal-print-clad pork swordsman Rod Stewart. I can’t account for that. I suppose it’s possible the first cut could be like a tester and then they could really take the plunge. Initially see how malleable the flesh is, then go up to the hilt.
Where was I? Oh yes, National Novel Writing Month.
This year is my fifth go at NaNoWriMo, a personal challenge of the highest order where participants seek to write a 50,000 word novel in just 30 days.
How could someone possibly do that? you cry.
Well, it breaks down to 1,667 words a day. Piece of piss.
No, literally, how could someone do that?
Also a good question. It turns out that you have to give up an awful lot in order to keep the writing wolf from the door, or invite him in and eat him, I’m lost in metaphors this week. Yesterday I didn’t leave my flat. I stayed in and clocked up over six thousand words, taking breaks to watch Parks & Recs, my latest addiction in between. I probably could have written more but one of my hands went numb, my eyes were streaming and I had a friend over for chilli and cuddles.

Yesterday I managed to hit 20,000 words. I’m immensely proud of having already made it to this point. I would be prouder if I hadn’t learned that someone in the group finished NaNoWriMo in three days. But it’s not a competition and we are all winners just for taking part.

So keep on trucking. You’re doing great. Weekends are good for catching up if you’re fortunate enough to not have to work. If you do have to work then write notes for yourself through the course of the day or dictate the next chapter to yourself. It can help to access that conversational part of your brain that equates so well to storytelling.

So that’s it, I’m 20k in, but I’m not over the hump yet. Even with the halfway point in sight and possible today I’m already assuming I’ll write around 75k.

Peace.