NaNoWriMo Progress Report

We're 10 days into National Novel Writing Month and it hasn't been as smooth as I would have liked at this point.

I'm averaging 1,358 words a day; it should be 1,667 if I'm going to reach 50k by Nov. 30. I'm not concerned because I generally write in big bursts, sometimes 3,000-4,000 words a day. 

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm using a rough outline to keep me somewhat focused on the ultimate goal. I've veered off it a few times as the characters took over in places. That always happens as I delve deeper into a story.

This work-in-progress will be the fifth novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. The fourth book will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. The first three were Old Ways and New Days, Darkness Beyond the Light, and New Horizons (you can find them on Amazon, B&N, and other websites).  If all goes well, I hope the latest will be released in late 2021 by Wings ePress.

My biggest distraction thus far has been the election on Nov. 3. I found myself watching TV and reading news reports about the outcome of the presidential race in several states. I was relieved it finally ended five days later but it still lingers day-to-day with court threats and probably recounts. I hope it ends soon so we can get back to some degree of normalcy.

And then there is the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths—in the U.S. and worldwide—and it almost becomes an overload when trying to write. At least there was some positive news this week about a possible vaccine.

At my age, I get more mentally exhausted at times. Writing is often an escape from reality, much like reading can be when getting lost in a good book. The key is finding a good balance in life. I try to do that by what I watch and read as well as daily exercise and other activities.

The happenings of the past few months, taking a lot of things into account, would make for an interesting novel. No doubt you've heard the expression, "life is stranger than fiction." Don't be surprised if some of the novels published in the coming months and years reflect these crazy times. I'm not sure if I would want them on my reading list because peace of mind isn't always 2020.

Until the next time . . .