Nov 02 2009
Whew, I did it!
I started to think I would bomb out on the NaNoWRiMo word count after one day, but I ended up going to one of my favorite little places after school for a mini writing marathon with myself. I started writing a fictional account of what I thought my father was thinking when he was a young Dad on a weekend getaway with my mother in Palm Springs. He was on my mind because today is his birthday and he’s been gone now for 8 years. It’s amazing how the words add up once you get going. So… I am now at 3414 words for the NaNoWriMo contest, and I’m feeling a real sense of accomplishment.
It’s nice to just go off and write for awhile after work, even though there’s the initial feeling of guilt that I should be doing stuff for my students. Most of what I wrote was babbling stuff, but there were a few lines/paragraphs I know I will return to once I go back to edit in December. A friend of mine came and sat next to me and started reading what I was writing. “Wow, that’s heavy stuff,” he said. “Go away,” I said, and put my laptop cover down. He walked away shaking his head and laughing.
I have a few friends and one student who are joining me on this crazy quest. I think there will be some days when it will be easier to churn out more than I did today. I’m heading for a family wedding next weekend in California. The family scene always gives me plenty to write about. Look out!
