I signed up for NaNoWriMo with the best of intentions …
Well, let me rephrase that. I signed up with NaNoWriMo because I need to rediscover the joy of writing. My total so far? 3,328 words. Ugly, I know! There’s always something more important to do. Pay bills. Visit my sister who lives eight-plus hours away. Write blog posts. Critique other manuscripts. Household chores and daily living stuff.
In addition, my mom’s health has taken a big hit these past thirty days, with her being in the hospital for half a week, then moved to a care center so she can regain her strength. (Prayers requested!)
But the truth is, if I really desired to write, I’d make the time. Part of my problem could be my story which is book three in my Where the Heart Is series. I’m just not passionate about it, but then I wasn’t passionate about Hearts at Risk either, and every word in that novel was painfully ground out. Yet that story was a 2012 ACFW Genesis Award finalist, and all my first readers have loved it. And they loved book number two, Capturing Beauty.
Then there’s the fact that NaNoWriMo is in November, one of the busiest months of the year! Seriously, who thought this month was a good month to write a novel??? But February in Minnesota? That could work. I vote we change NaNo to February, even if it lacks the alliteration of November. Who’s with me?
Another part of the problem is that my WIP–the series–is fully contemporary romance and lacks the gritty edginess of my Coming Home series. As you know, I’m passionate about gritty stories.
So why spend time on this series?
- Well, I started writing it out of frustration because my Coming Home series wasn’t gaining traction. So, I told myself, “I’ll write a stupid romance instead!”
- Romance sells. Readers love romance that takes them away from their world, where my gritty stories remind readers how tough this world really is.
- This series caught the eye of editors and agents (even my romances were too gritty for the agents!) where my Coming Home series never went past the proposal requests.
- Apparently I write romance well, so says my first readers and critique partners.
In other words, I’m making excuses. I will keep pressing on, and I will get this book written (just not this month, nor this year) if for no other reason than, once this series is completed, I’m going back to writing gritty stories. That should be incentive enough, right? I’ve already got 3,328 words written. Only 86,672 words to go!
Comments 4
First, very sorry about your mom’s health. Will be praying for her total recovery.
Next, I rebel against even the suggestion of the challenge of NaNoWriMo so I’m clearly not a likely candidate ever. But I certainly get the idea of incentive and discipline of which I’ve been in short supply this year.
Finally, I have no doubt you’ll get this book finished, Bren, not only in your time but more importantly when the Lord moves you to do just that. Timing is everything – when it’s the Lord’s. Waiting on Him is sometimes the hardest part of anything.
Thank you, Nicole ~ I covet your support, encouragement, & prayers!
I signed up for NaNo hoping it would give me the kick in the tush that I needed. So far, nope. 😉 But as you said, it’s all in God’s timing, and I need to wait on Him.
I haven’t gotten very far in my NaNo project either. I’m still hoping and trying, but… Life. Praying for your mom today, Brenda. Praying, too, that He will not only give you the words you need, but also help you see the message He has for your “stupid romance” — which I’m sure I will enjoy reading. 😉
I hear ya about Life happening!
Thank you for the prayers for my mom. It’s a trying time for her and for my dad.
As for my *stupid* romances, readers seem to enjoy them so far. I’m still debating (praying!) if I should self-pub them or not.