Some years you know exactly what you are doing, and barrel through NaNo like someone lit the fire to write under you and let you free Nov 1…

And then, some years… Well… That right there looks like a great story plot roller coaster grid doesn’t it?

Ups and downs, and a really big high before a giant drop.

Except that is my word count. Spoiler alert, I am about a good 10K behind pace NaNo wise.

I had a bit of a late start, and since everyone is new, they are fighting for a voice in the sea of old characters who want yet another bite at the “Tell my story!” apple.

I needed the break from them. I am learning a lot about these new characters, and ways to write that I can apply to the Red Letters rewrites eventually.

There is a reason that there is advice to walk away from a project for a bit. To put it in a drawer and visit it in a few months.

You are not the same writer by the time you and your WIP meet up again.

Hopefully you have read more, either about your craft, or a book in general that may have put a seed of change in mind. Certainly you’ve had more experience and age on your side, so you can come back with different eyes and thoughts.

Because once you build your book’s foundation, you have to insulate your house and eventually decorate it too. Make it move in ready for your readers.

So I am fine with being behind this year. Hubs kindly reminds me every year I say I won’t make it, and every year I pull out the victory.

But along the way, I remember to count little wins like this one…

And to appreciate the writers in the group that keep me going, even if they have no idea of that.

So yeah, still chasing the big win here, but also stopping for the mini milestone photos. After all, I want to remember this for next year, and not forget that I do manage more than I ever give myself credit for.

See you again soon, maybe across the finish line?

Slow and steady turtle writer heading back out to write some more.

Good luck to you all, and don’t forget, I don’t mind the turtle company.