Third Week of Writing Challenge - Ahhh!

I'm still at it. The Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) writing challenge:  to write 50,000 words in the month of August.

The light at the end of the tunnel.

jainaj / Free Photos

I had upped the ante, though. I wanted to finish an entire book in one month. For me, my books tend to be around 82,000 - 90,000 words.

It's not going to happen, my lovelies.

Definitely there is no way I can finish this book in what remains of this month: less than two weeks to go. It is possible I could complete the 50,000 word challenge, but I'm not making bets on that either way. So, YES, I am continuing to write my brains out, as much as I can.

But, in this month, I've written more than I have in some time. That in itself is awesome. I'm getting something done. I'm excited about the story, toss ideas around with my husband, and find myself saying, "ooohh...but what if ___ or ___?" as I'm working on the story line.

I don't know how some writers can write so fast and whip out an entire book in a month. The fastest I've written a book was in 2 - 1/2 months. They must write 12-18 hours a day, every day, and only take time out for potty breaks, eating, and occasionally showering. They must not need to pause, think over something they've previously written or are about to write, sit and stare at the screen and re-read paragraphs to make sure they make sense. They must have someone else they can rely on to take care of household chores, cook, clean, wash, run errands, take care of pets, pay bills, cut grass, do dishes, and about 20 other things that come up in life.

Alan Cleaver / Free Photos

For me as I write, there are simply too many "things" to think about in the story, figure out, research,  and my dreaded need to edit/revise AS I type. I've gotten much better at stopping my urge to do instant revising as I go, though. And life happens around me. Responsibilities and chores I either have to take care of or can only put off doing for so long (see the previous paragraph).

So, some of you may say I'm whining...that we all have the same 24 hours in a day...that I'm making excuses. I don't think I am. I'm stating facts. And I don't have someone I can delegate chores to. And I don't have money to pay someone else to do some of those chores. And I do choose to hold off doing or eliminate certain chores.

And here comes my POSITIVE outtake on this:  Even if I can't complete the monthly challenge, I feel I have won something anyway. My "win" or reward or accomplishment will be: I AM WRITING CONSISTENTLY. I DON'T WANT TO STOP. I'M NOT GIVING UP ON MY GOAL TO FINISH THIS BOOK IN A TIMELY MANNER. Also, I've learned quite a bit about realistic writing goals.  I like creating quality work and great stories and sometimes that cannot be rushed and completed in a such a short span of time (one month)...or at least I am not able to write that freaking fast.

"The Break Free Tree" - Awesome Image for Creativity

Eddi van W. / Free Photos

So here's to my work-in-progress, titled Rocked - A Chelsie Valdar Saga - 1, a rapid but not slapped together completion ;) Hang in there, my Chosen Sidekicks! (did you read my posting a few months ago about readers/fans having their own name? Thanks to Braelyn for reminding me!)