On the first of November, I set out on a challenge to write 50,000 words of a first draft. All of the writing had to be done in the calendar month of November.
Today, the 24th of November, I validated my novel through the NaNoWriMo website and have been officially declared a Winner.
Officially, a Winner has a validated word count of 50,000 words or more.
In reality, the challenge is all about learning one’s own possibilities. A winner is one who can develop a daily writing habit. A winner is one who can sit before a blank screen with a blank brain and still churn out words.
Writing is hard work and graft. Just like any other human endeavour, a winner is one who has realised that perspiration and perseverance are as important, if not more important, than inspiration.
Now, I have two first drafts. I am going to complete a couple of tasks on the one that I have just finished, then print it and put it in a drawer with its predecessor. I have some corporate bits and pieces to keep me busy for a while and I will come back to the first drafts after Christmas.
I am going to catch up with some reading, some blogging and some chores around the house.
First though, I’m going to have another glass of wine.
