Countdown to NaNoWriMo

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." ~ H Jackson Brown, Jr.

5 days until National Novel Writing Month. I have known about this contest since I was 13 years old, but never have I had the nerve to take on its challenge.

The goal: Write a 50,000 word novel in one month.

Now, I wrote a novel in a year. In that year, a couple things became clear to me. 1) I have a LOT more time than I think I do. 2) I easily could have finished it sooner. Easily.

So, I have decided.

I have purchased a stack of books in preparation, much like a man buying wood for the furnace. Throw it into the stove, light it up, and let the creativity blaze. It all goes back to I(10) = O. Input times 10 equals output.

I've begun taking notes. To make this one-month-wonder possible, input and outlining is key. I've been perusing books on quantum mechanics, black holes, principles of time travel, light and dark matter, etc. Articles on German folklore, Victoriana, and Tesla inventions. All of it - fodder for the mind, ripe for outlining a plot well worth twisting and turning.

And outlining, my friends, is something that's never exactly been my first line of defense.

In many ways, this is an experiment. We're all called to take ourselves to new heights. For November, the mission is clear.

The writer-friends joining me? Well, of course, my cohort from last year's race, Kaeli Newman. And a new running mate, as well, my other writer-cousin, Colin Hohnstein.

Together, we make a triad of brainstorming, note-taking, caffeine, and awesomeness.

NaNoWriMo - WE CHALLENGE YOU!