NaNoWriMo

November 1 marks the beginning of National Novel Writing Month. This is the month where you are supposed to complete one 50,000 word novel in 30 days. I personally underwent this task last February when I initially began my writing adventure. At the time, I accomplished the goal. I was motivated by the task. The need to achieve a certain word count each day/week, made it so I had to write. There were no excuses. And as I got going, I realized that there was not an option. I didn't just have to write, but I needed to write. 

Now, I don't have to write, and therefore no longer need to write. I have lost my goal.

I used to be really dedicated to writing in the evenings, and that made it easier to write during nap times at work. Unfortunately, my evenings are either spent doing something else, or simply doing nothing at all.

However, this is all about to change. For my birthday, Roommate Cousin gave me several motivational writing books with clever and helpful tips. Many of them have stuck with me. "Writing becomes a commitment that grows into a habit and becomes a compulsion." 

With NaNoWriMo, I have decided to commit myself to writing 50,000 words. I have considered actually starting a new story, but I don't think that would be fair to the one I already am working on. This is the perfect opportunity to return myself to my characters. Their stories are still lingering in the back of my mind, waiting to be told -- aching for words on the page.

I am eager to dive back into writing with purpose and goals. I am eager to have my mind swirling with constant ideas. I am eager to take walks with my characters and to wake up with them on my mind. I am eager to be passionate about writing again.

No more stalling. No more starting over. No more excuses. Just 30 days, 50,000 words, one story.