Here’s to hoping that I can keep up at least my 1667 words a day.

But, I have written 2850 words so far, so at least I have a number.

I really do want to kick myself, though, because I kept thinking that I had more time to prepare for this year. I only got one character sheet done before November 11, and it’s not even complete. Mind you, I have peices and parts of most everything written down in my notebook, or in Google Docs or in yWriter, but there’s nothing cohesive, and now I’m a little afraid of taking the time to organize everything more in ahead of the actual word count at this point. I think I will write for a little long, then actually decide if I need that organization or not. I did well last year with more organization than I had any year prior, so there might have to be an emergency organization session for me to feel better.

On the plus side, though, the Alphasmart Dana I picked up is working out REALLY well in helping my word count. I’m still getting used to the smaller keyboard area (it’s more the entire device is smaller than the keys themselves…) and my only complaint is that I feel this horrible need to read and re-read everything twelve times, which is harder to do with that tiny little screen compared to working off my laptop.

Today is Errand Day at the homestead, but hopefully I can get some time this evening to write a lot. A lot is what is needed now.

Also, since Nanowrimo.org has been having server issues as of late, someone in Metro Atlanta started up a Yahoo group to help keep us organized during all these server issues. I’ve added a few things there in the files section already, and maybe if I get a little more free time I’ll do some more.

And who knows, I might also be co-writing my Nano this year with Patty, my might-as-well-be-blood-related aunt. I still haven’t decided, but I really like the idea of the story.

Guess what I did today?

How well did I kick ass? Well, I brought my wordcount from 36,342 to 45,510 in a day, between what I did at work and then what I did in the evening before bed. So, that means I have to do 4490 words between today and tomorrow to get through Nano. Barring any unforeseen complications, that is completely doable. Woot!

I do know that this story isn’t going to be complete when I finish Nano, but I will be finishing it. I still really like the story, so I’ve got to see it through to the end. After that, I’m sitting on it until February or March, and we’ll see how well I like it again and start editing if so.

Writing my Nano-novel while drunk is a completely different thing.

So, while I’m ugly horribly behind, at least I’m making a point of writing something on the novel, even if it’s a measly 100+/- words every night. I’ll catch up, even if it’s at the last moment. That’s what ended up happening last year, even though I don’t really want anyone else to have to read the crap I wrote last year.

So, we’ll see how it goes. I’ve been getting on one of my coworkers who really wanted to do Nano who’s perched at giving up.

I caught myself trying to go back and read what I’d just written last night, which is when I decided to quit. I left the end of the first chapter hanging, but I knew that if I kept the file open any longer, I’d start to edit. I can’t white-out the words or anything, because I need to see the rhythm, especially when I’m writing out a section of dialouge. But I’ve got to come up with some kind of deterrant from going back and editing, especially in that sleepy-almost-bedtime area of my life.

Any suggestions?

I recieved my “First Week” email this morning from Chris over at Nano, and I have to say that I gave a little squeal of joy, because that was my official notice that I can finally begin writing this thing clunking around in my head. I went to bed before midnight last night, and I had the Morning Errands from Hell™ to run this morning, so lunch and this evening will be when I can finally sit down and write. Inbetween handing out candy last night, I’ve updated my outline, though it’s truly not complete-complete, it’s enough to get me through the story, finally.

Well, good luck to all y’all! I know I’m going to need it.