How I Feel About Blogging Less

After a busy November where I didn’t post on this blog much, I’m trying to publish more in December.

I haven’t been writing a blog post every day however. I miss it, but taking a break has made me excited to create again.

When I write blog posts, I don’t ever aim for long, perfect first drafts. It’s enough to get some thoughts in my head on the page.

I also try to publish often, but I’m not aiming for mind-blowing, earth-shattering content. That’s never been my goal.

I know I’m behind with everything, but I still feel fine. And that’s all that matters to me.

I don’t enjoy falling behind because catching up is such a challenge. But I’ll manage somehow. I can’t do everything, but I can do enough to succeed. I hope.

Life happens.

When it comes to my habits, I’m not as stubborn as I used to be. Besides, the world won’t end if I miss a day or three of blogging. I can always get back into the grind at a later time.

This year, I’ve had a lot of high highs and low lows this year. Even so, I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s. Check back with me once I write my exams and get my grades though.

As I get older, I feel busier. Then again, I think I’d rather be busy than bored. That way, I don’t have an existential crisis every other moment.

My Plans For November And NaNoWriMo

I’ve been thinking more and more about what I’m going to do in November, specifically during National Novel Writing Month, short for NaNoWriMo.

For obvious reasons, NaNo is one of my favourite times of the year. But November 2017 promises to be a busy month.

As for what I’m going to work on, I want to write a novel. Or at least write a story of some sort. I wrote both prose and poetry in October. During November I plan to stick to the former.

Honestly, it’s been a while since I started a novel and stuck with it. So I hope I can change that this month.

I have some ideas I hope to explore further.

Fortunately, I have the second week off from school. Unfortunately, I’ve gotten into a good routine of writing on the commute. In fact, writing at home with so many distractions has presented a greater challenge.

Regardless, all I ask of myself is that I do my best.

Life happens. The unexpected occurs. But I’ll manage as best as I can.

That being said, I’ve enjoyed writing in the morning during my commutes sometimes more than late at night. So maybe it’s time I make some changes to my routine.

Earlier in the day my mind is clearer than it is at night. Then again, at night, I’m tired so I’m not as critical.

I don’t want to mess with my writing schedule too much. Still, I’m adjusting accordingly to whatever the world throws at me on any given day.

Changing is tough though. But the pay off tends to be worth the work.

There’s still plenty of time for me to figure things out. And I have a feeling I will.

Of course, I’m curious to know your plans or lack thereof for November, especially if you’re partaking in NaNoWriMo.

Where Did NaNoWriMo Go?

I don’t know.

How is it possible that NaNoWriMo is almost over? 

It felt like it just started yesterday.

As busy as this month has been, I’m not ready for the darkness of December to descend upon me. I’m not ready for NaNo withdrawal, which is very real in my world.

I need something to use as an excuse.

Why do your blog posts suck?

Because it’s National Novel Writing Month.

Why are your grades so bad? 

Because I’m writing a novel.

I won’t have a legitimate excuse in December. Not like I had one in November. But at least as of late I could try to justify not doing something or not doing it well. 

I hope you don’t take this post too seriously. I’ve already started to suffer just thinking about saying goodbye to NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo Eve

It’s NaNoWriMo Eve, the day before National Novel Writing Month officially begins. I’m aware that by the time you read this, it’s probably November already. Time zones are tricky. More like I’ve gotten into a terrible habit of writing my blog posts late in the day and publishing them even later at night. In any case, happy NaNo.

I’m also well aware that when I’m publishing this post, it’s still October 31st. So if you do happen to read this then, happy Halloween. Cherish the last day of October. Where did it go? 

October has been a challenging month. Even though November has its own challenges, I still love the month regardless of how busy it gets. We gain an hour, remember soldiers, and give thanks (if you live in the US). I’m not American, but any day is a good one to be grateful if you ask me.

I don’t know how I’ll manage the next 30 days. Actually, I do. One day at a time. There are a few birthdays to celebrate with my family, a handful of major assignments due for school, and several goals I’d like to achieve in my personal life.

Also, I’m sending out a search for my sanity in advance. If you find her, please return the poor girl to me.

Happy NaNoWriMo and November to you. It’s the second to last month of 2016 after all. How? I don’t know. I just know you should make the most out of it.

I’ll see you all on the other side. 

My NaNoWriMo 2016 Goal

I want to write every day this month. More specifically, I want to write prose. I might occasionally dabble in some poetry if I feel the need to spice up my writing life. Ideally, in November, I’ll write an entire story about the same characters in the same world. Because the writing gods know just how long it’s been since I’ve started writing a novel and went on to finish one.

Also, I wish someone could transcribe everything I thought in my head. It would make things so much easier. On second thought, maybe not.

Although I love handwriting, I haven’t been the biggest fan of typing. I blame my computer for being slow to start up. Same goes for Microsoft Word. Go figure.

So this NaNo I’m just focusing on one story. Or trying to, at least.

Ideas in my head are great. Having them written down on paper is even better.

That’s the goal. My goal. I’ll worry about everything else later, possibly in December.

NaNoWriMo Reminders

National Novel Writing Month never fails to sneak up on me.

I’m not ready. Obviously.

But I’m going into November reminding myself that:

It’s not about winning.

You win if you write. 10 words. 10,000 words. 100,000 words.

It’s not about being perfect.

Perfection is overrated. You’re not perfect. So don’t try to be.

It’s not about the word count.

You are a writer. Not a mathematician. Numbers don’t matter.

I’m Not Ready, So I Read

I’m not ready for November. For NaNoWriMo. For my midterm on Tuesday.

I’m not ready for anything right now.

So instead of doing something I probably should (like studying), I grab a book and read. Worse, I don’t even grab an assigned book for school.

I mean, you only live once if you don’t read. Especially if you don’t read something you want to read.

I’m really just trying to avoid real life.

I’m okay with that.

NaNoWriMo Plans

I’m thinking of handwriting an entire novel in November. I want to write every single day, although I probably won’t aim for a specific word count. Possibly a page count instead.

And then if all goes well, I’ll try to type up what I wrote in December.

Reaching a certain word count isn’t necessarily my main priority. Because something called school exists. Not that school is my main priority either.

I would like nothing more than to enjoy my November.

So to avoid growing gray hair and having it fall out by the end, I’m going to do things a little differently this time around.

That’s the plan as of right now. But plans change. Plans are just plans after all.