I’m almost to 50,000 words, so thought I’d post one more time about the experience this year. Nano has been completely different for me this time, and every time. I guess that’s why I continue to do it. I learn something new every year.

This year was much easier in the past. I think two things contributed to the ease I felt this year in attaining the coveted 50,000 words.

1. I had a long and detailed outline of what I wanted to write. I didn’t always adhere to the outline, but it gave me direction. So, I didn’t find myself sitting and staring into space this year.

2. I committed myself to getting ahead in the word count from day one. In the past, I’ve not made the 1667 words per day and have felt as if I were playing catch up from the first. This time, being a little ahead or quite a bit ahead, I felt at ease and enjoyed the experience much more.

Every time but one, I’ve made it to 50,000. The year I didn’t was last year. I was keeping the book on a flash drive and lost the drive halfway through the month. With the loss of the drive, I also lost my enthusiasm.

I am competitive and I guess that pushes me forward, but I just find the experience of doing NaNoWriMo gives my daily writing a little jump start.  Let me know how you’ve done.