NaNoWriMo 2016, Day 1

Yes, it has been a while since I showed up here! The reason: my writing "career" has been pretty stagnant for the last year. But now, I'm doing National Novel Writing Month and it's going well so far, though I know I might probably die by November 30th!

I'm going to try to update this blog as much as I can this month, just to check in on my progress. I will try to write one of these every time I enter my word count into the NaNoWriMo site. If my thoughts and feelings interest other people, then great! But why?

So here is Day 1!

So far I have written 3055 words, which is nearly double the daily aim, so go me! I was terrified before I started this morning. It took me ages to get out of bed. But once I got past that first page, that first, agonising page, the ideas just started flowing and 3 hours later I have 5 and a bit pages of solid text.

It really helps that I made a detailed outline first, and while I haven't stuck to it completely even with the first chapter (I like to go where the writing takes me), it's a really useful guideline I've made for myself. I would encourage anyone else doing NaNoWriMo to outline first in October. It's really saved a lot of hmms and hahs at the outset. I know exactly where my characters are going and what they'll be doing by the end of Act One, and it's a great feeling. I can't wait to come home after work tonight and mash in some more words!

Oh, and I almost forgot to post a picture of my cover! Still not releasing info on the premise, but this should be a good hint... and no, it's not a period piece...