I’m probably not going to reach 50,000 words for the novel I’m working on as part of National Novel Writing Month. Midway through, I’m just shy of 13,000 words. And I’m OK with that.
I’m loving Fourteen, about a fortysomething woman who finally must face the pain she feels from having caused a horrific traffic accident in her teens. I don’t love Elizabeth Wilson yet the way I did Peter and Joan Gregory, the protagonists in my first novel, but she’s worming her way into my soul. I’ve not fallen behind because of writers’ block or lack of desire. It’s simply that other priorities have come to the forefront of my life this month. They include:
–Spending a four-day weekend with my best friend, Patricia Lorenz, at her home in Florida, talking and laughing and crying and seeing the sights
–Attending some celebrations, including a retirement party, a housewarming, and a birthday party
–Seeing Don McLean in concert with my sister
–Working out two to three times a week
–Reviewing a new manuscript for one of my very favorite editing clients
–Preparing for some upcoming speaking gigs, including the terrific Bay to Ocean Writers Conference in February
I hope I’ll still hit around 40,000 words on the new novel by the end of the month. But I’m not going to worry if I don’t. I have a lot on my plate right now. My priorities are in order.
At least you’re trying! One of these years . . . I hope to give it a shot.