Yes! I did it. I completed my YA (young adult) novel today. It is just over 50,000 words, according to the verification software on the NaNoWriMo website. On my software it’s closer to 51,000, but hey, what’s a thousand words between friends, right?
Tag Archives: writing
Holy Nano, Batman!
It’s official, I am REALLY freaking out. Today is November 27. NaNoWriMo ends November 30. I MUST finish my 50,000 words. I really really really really must. (Hey, there’s a technique I hadn’t thought of to up my word count, repeat unnecessary words multiple times for effect, or maybe not).
I have my flying pig socks on (for optimism), I have my leggings on (for comfort) and I have my NaNoWriMo hoodie on for warmth and writerly inspiration. I keep typing, but it’s like that giant plate of spaghetti… there’s still so much more to go!
Okay, I need to snap out of it. I’m home alone (well, the puppy is here to cheer me on) and I have no excuses. School is closed today, I’ve already done the Thanksgiving and Hanukkah shopping (that’s a weirdness all its own), and I have no reason not to crank out the words. So, why am I here? Because I don’t know how to fit all the parts together! It’s turned into this big messy thing that I’m not quite sure how to manage. Yes, I’m still following my story line, but I’m not quite sure how to move from one point to another in a way that makes sense. I may just have to forego sense for the time being, and JUST WRITE.
Phew. I think that’s out of my system. Now I need to grab a drink, let the dog out, and hammer away at the old keyboard. Super jealous of my fellow NaNo writers who have finished your 50,000. I’ll be there soon, really I will, just 8,000ish words to go.
When Pigs Fly
Flying pigs are kind of my thing. I have flying pig socks, flying pig yard art, and flying pig salt and pepper shakers. My Christmas tree has a few flying pig ornaments, there is a flying pig nightlight in my hallway, and there are flying pig magnets both on my fridge at home and my whiteboard at school. I even have a flying pig cookie jar and flying pig duct tape.
Lest you think my home is terribly tacky, I assure you it is not. My flying pigs are refined and tasteful, and if you don’t like them, well, frankly I don’t care. They are for me, and I love them.
I don’t love them because I’m a particular fan of swine. I love them for what they represent. The old phrase, “when pigs fly” is a phrase of negativity. In other words, whatever you’re trying to do is impossible. For example, “I’ll get my novel finished when pigs fly.” Here’s another, “I’ll lose the weight when pigs fly.” Those little pigs with wings represent the squashing of all that negativity. Why not? Why not get that novel done? Why not lose that weight? Why always focus on what we can’t accomplish, and start believing in what we CAN accomplish. Pigs can’t fly? Rubbish. Have a little faith. They are flying all about us, if we take the time to notice them.