Life's Funny That Way

Writing for a living

So, when I finally landed the perfect job... as an outdoor writer for a local newspaper, I was in heaven.  Well, I still am.  I love the job.  I get to write for a living and I get to cover outdoor topics - hunting, fishing, silent sports... the whole deal.  And that's great.
What I didn't realize, though, was how hard that makes it to come home and want to write for fun. I love writing fiction, and this will be my eighth year doing NaNo. For most of the month, I really didn't think I was going to make it, though.  I've picked it up a lot in the last few days, but there was a time, if you would have asked me, I would have said there is no way I'm going to win NaNo this year!
But, now that seems to be back on track.  Now, if I can just write another 5K on Sunday, and then another 5K on Thanksgiving Day... I should be in great shape! That gives me about 1K or so every other day.  And then I should make it.  Shwew!  I could never dream of not winning NaNo before.  I'm an ML, for cripes sake!  But, now I know some of the things that keep people away.  For me, it's writing full time for an actual employer while also trying to keep a few freelance clients.  And then spending the rest of my time on fiction writing.  Boy!  That was a pretty ambitious goal at the outset. Now things are settling down, though, and I'm getting into a routine. I think it will all work out in the end. But... I totally understand the many reasons why people may not "win" NaNo.  And I can honestly say - it doesn't matter if you hit the 50K mark, in reality.  The thing is - you put forth an effort that many don't.  You've taken on an awesome challenge that most will not.  And, no matter how many words you've written.  It is WAY more than you would have written without the challenge!  So, NaNo away my friends!  And good luck to all who have entered!