Happy holiday season 2022, may the light shine on into the long winter nights

I logged in 48,415 words in the NaNoWriMo 50k word challenge on this First Sunday of Advent as I watched Fr. Dat Tran dressed in Advent blue approach the altar at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Grand Rapids for the Sunday mass at 10:30 a.m.

And sudden warmth and light flooded not only the cathedral but my heart as well. If I hadn’t been writing for the last 27 days, there would have been only the darkness of a blank page. So many people want the light of a new story, a new beginning. And that is Advent. The beginning of a new liturgical year and new stories waiting to be told.

This time I prayed for the success of the challenge, not just for me but all of us, so the stories can enlighten the world in its darkness. The purpose of the challenge is not only to reach the 50k -word- goal but to help young aspiring authors. I feel I have done that, and that I will continue the noble goal of inspiring others to reach for the light. In the name of Chiara, Vera, Ashley and all.

You are the reason why I write.

To be continued..

Copyright (c) 2022. Emma Palova. All right reserved.