51,590 = Success!

I started out this month with a personal challenge. I joined a group of fellow writers and set a goal of writing 50,000 words before November 30th. This a yearly challenge called NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).  This was the first time I participated, but with both kids in school, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I was also ready to tackle a new book, so the timing was perfect.

On November 1st, I sat down at my computer with my detailed outline and character profiles ready to go. I had written a few pages previously so I could enter them into a contest, so I had a starting word count of 1,500.  Writing those first few pages had given me a taste of what I would be writing and for weeks I was chomping at the bit to get started.  Once November 1st arrived I was raring to go.

I knew from the beginning that I would need to finish my writing by Sunday, November 24th.  I have a personal policy that I try not to write when the kids and Dan are home during the day. Monday, November 25th was the first day of vacation for the family in preparation for Thanksgiving, so I needed to be done by that date.  I couldn’t help but wonder, could I write 50,000 words in 24 days?

Well, I have discovered that I can do it in 23 days! Tonight, I crossed the point marking 50,000 words. I am in awe of God’s grace and blessing. It has been a hard few weeks of writing. I have given up a lot, including TV time and volunteering at my kid’s school. I have missed Bible study at my church, but to know that I finished is such an encouragement as a writer. Do you know what is even more awesome? Reading over what I have written and loving it! I can’t wait to share it you one day.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for me.  I am so thankful to have friends and family who have loved me and supported me. Without people like you in my life, this journey would not be nearly as much fun.

For His Glory,
Stacey