Look at this!
Image: NaNoWriMo.org
So – my apologies for the lack of my usual broadcast this fine Wednesday morning. I have a story in my brain-pan based around this week’s CAKE.shortandsweet’s wonderful prompt words – which are, for the curious, ‘free sample’, ‘sear’, ‘clan’, ‘daytripper’ and ‘spray’ – but I fear it will have to wait for a little longer.
For, dear reader, this morning – in the last few moments! – I have managed to write my fifty thousandth word, and validate my NaNoWriMo novel.
Image: bubblews.com
I now intend to make myself a celebratory cup of coffee and sit in a darkened room for a little bit. I may cheer, but I will be doing it very, very quietly.
The good news (or, well, the better news, maybe) is that, while I’ve reached my NaNo goal, I am not yet finished with Emmeline’s story. It will take at least another 10,000 words to see the story through, and then I can think about editing it and polishing it and letting other people read it. I am pleased with how it’s gone so far – I think, for a first draft, and a first draft written in a white heat, at that, it’s reasonably strong material – but a good, thorough edit will soon put the whole thing to the test. If it wobbles at the first breeze, or starts to fall apart as soon as I make the barest change, then I know I’m in trouble.
However, from me, and from Emmeline, and from Thing, it’s a fond ‘farewell’ for the moment. I’m off to rediscover what it’s like to be a human adult who goes outdoors and does stuff besides stare at a computer screen and think, but just as soon as I can I’ll let you all know how the story of Emmeline is getting on.
For this isn’t the last you’ve heard of my intrepid heroine, make no mistake!
Congratulations to any of my fellow NaNo-ers out there who are starting the validation process – and to those who couldn’t find it in their hearts to take part this year, perhaps 2014 will be your year.
It’s worth it – trust me!
Image: NaNoWriMo.org
SJ O'Hart 
This is an event that calls for me to come out of my self imposed internet hermitage and congratulate you on a job well done. I remember how I felt last year when I reached the 50K goal. I knew the story wasn’t done and needed massive reworking but there was solid foundation to work on. Good luck, with the editing.
I also remember how shortly after NaNoWriMo, I started to fall apart. I’m sure the same won’t happen to you because mine was caused by things in my body slowly malfuncitioning. I felt something was not quite right and I sort of reasoned it was a recoup period from NaNoWriMo. I struggled on for the next several months and it wasn’t until the trip to the emergency room in June that I would find out what was going on. I was slowly bleeding to death on the inside. Three units of blood got me a minimum level so I could go home but is has been a slow rebuilding period and I am still not out of the woods. It will take some surgery after the first of the year to hopefully solve the problem. I’ve also learned what effects long term chronic anemia has on the mind thus my retreat into a internet hermitage.
But, this moment should not be about me but celebration of your trial by fire and coming out on top. I makes me feel good.
Rand
My GOODNESS, Rand! I am so sorry to hear about all this. I noticed you’d gone quiet around these parts, but I had no idea you were suffering so terribly with ill-health. I really hope your surgery in the new year goes well and sees you right, for good. My thoughts and positivity will be with you until you’re completely back on your feet again.
Thank you so much for your congratulations – and it’s great to hear from you again. I hope you take care and take it easy, and that very soon you’ll have good news about how well you’re doing.
All best wishes and good thoughts,
SJ
Congratulations!! 😀 *Delivers cake*
Slow and steady – maybe. Skill and determination – definitely.
*hugs!*
Thank you! I feel about as skilled as a dishrag today… completely wiped out. But I shall soldier on. *puts on soldierin’ face*
Hugs back at ya! 🙂
Congrats! Such good news. I’ve still got 4,000 words to get on with and pretty much at the end of the book. I think my writing in week two was a bit sparce, so will be going back to that.