Validation

So today I'll be copying my story over to the NaNo powers for "validation" of my word count to be declared a "winner" for 2012. And the process gives me pause. Of course being declared a "winner" is a NaNo goal, but to me it is a minor one. The major goal to me was getting a leg up on my novel and the ability to structure my life to make sure that writing could and would fit into it. In order to "win" I had to let things slide. That 3000 words a day that I was doing for a while there was at the sacrificial feet of other things - emails, business relationships, professional groups and art projects that didn't get touched because I was working on my novel. I learned some things and I am delighted that I had the experience, but I am happy to be back to a more normal schedule.

I still write for at least an hour every morning, usually at the coffee shop and at the store. My mornings at home, which can be remarkably productive when I need to pound out the words, have reverted back to the daily communication that I really need. I am writing my blog (thank goodness because I really hated dealing with my blog at night instead of in the morning) and I am catching up with my professional group (Local Bead Shop Owners) and a variety of interest groups that I have belonged to for many years including an enameling group and a costume group. I have projects that I want to design and Holiday Cards to make. My life still moves strongly on, and I have to incorporate my writing or sacrifice the quality of my life - something I am unwilling to do.

So today I will send the words I have written to this point. I know that I have a long way to go with these characters and hope that I can continue to produce at least 1000 words a day to keep things moving through the next month. The novel's first draft won't be over until the end - things must be resolved and the ending (more or less) must be achieved - but that is many, many words in the future. I want to get this first draft over with already so that I can start thinking about the editing process. My fingers itch to edit, and I can't allow myself to do so until then.

After sending off my word count and writing my 1000 words, I'm going to start seriously designing my holiday cards. I need to get those into the mail within 20 days, so I have a time frame here and I know that they are always labor intensive. But they are SO much fun to make. And then...well...then I need to figure out if there is anything at all to buy for my DH's holiday gifts. And between there I'll be at The Hobbit's midnight premiere showing along with Chickie - the tickets are in my hand. Life looks good!!! I think I'm validated - LOL.