When in doubt, Write.

All right. I admit it.  My willingness to study ANSI-SPARC database structure and C# programming paradigms has gone out the window. I’m trying to concentrate and will myself to study, but it’s hard going right now, knowing that after the exams I won’t be using those skills again.

My lovely friend Casey reminded me on her fabulous and funny blog that November is National Novel Writing Month.  She committed to write a novel of 50,000 words in November. I was intrigued. 

You see, for a little while now, I’ve had an idea for a novel.  I’ve let myself fantasize about it in the small pockets of time stolen from study, or walking to the train, or doing my shopping in the markets. I’ve walked into people while thinking about my lead character, and nearly missed my train from day-dreaming. However, I haven’t really let myself live in that world, because, well, I like to label myself and set rules limiting my potential. (Am I the only one?)  I’m a wanna-be Life Coach now, not a novelist!  I have to focus on final exams because I am a diligent student, not a writer!  I have to finish my application for my MA in Psychology, I have no time to put fingers to keyboard for pleasure. After all, I already have my little blog,  isn’t that enough? And the dog. I can’t forget the dog.

Ok, that was totally just an excuse to put in a cute picture of Chewy. Do I need a better reason?

But that’s what makes NaNoWriMo so tantalizing. I don’t have to commit myself to writing a polished, edited novel. I just have to write 50,000 unedited words by November 30th.  I figure, with a 24 hour plane ride, just a few yoga classes a week, and plenty of hours of stalling from studying ahead of me, 50,000 words won’t be so bad.

Me, after climbing a ridiculously steep mountain with my friend Ash.  Seems appropriate.

The reason I’m announcing this is a tip on NaNoWriMo’s website – tell everyone you know that you’re writing a novel. That way, in week two, when you’re humiliated by how bad your novel seems, you can’t quit because you already – well – told everyone you know.

So, here goes nothing. Or something, as the case may be.

QOTD: DO you want to write a novel? Be my writing buddy? Let me know!