As of yesterday, I crossed the halfway mark with 25,013 words in the 50k-word NaNoWriMo challenge. I feel relieved and motivated to finish the rest.

Some people ask me on my show For the Love of Books Podcast if NaNo gets easier with each year you participate in the challenge. This is my fifth year tackling the challenge; I have three books out of four challenges and four victories.

I say no, even though I have more experience I never know from day to day if I will reach the 1,667 word goal. The key to conquering the challenge is writing daily, and carrying the momentum forward, no matter what.

I have some tips for other Wrimos; keep on pushing through and split the monster daily word count into two sessions.

Good luck, Wrimos. Keep on writing.

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

On a sunny afternoon in November, I logged in 1,715 words in the NaNoWriMo challenge for a total of 25,013 words reaching the halfway point in the 50k-word challenge.

In the morning I wrote for our hometown newspaper The Lowell Ledger a story about Christmas Through Lowell that was 1,100 words long.

In between the two sessions, I went for a walk on the trail.

I feel every word in my bones. More tomorrow.

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

A walk in the November sun, a spider in the tub

The sunshine brought new energy and fueled my writing so I could log in 2,015 words and introduce a very cool chapter, even though the whole writing session seemed hopeless at first. I kept repeating to myself, “Keep pushing forward.”

I walked the trail in the November sun and ran into another walker and three women riding their bikes. My parents are now both down with a cold on top of their other illnesses, which worries me.

I even made it to the Sunday mass and enjoyed the gospel reading about the 10 virgins with oil lamps, five of them were foolish, and the other five were wise. This one sticks well in my mind and inspires me.

Of course, having no time to cook, we had Sunday dinner at Big Boiler in downtown Lowell decked out for Christmas.

When I saw a spider in the bathtub, I wondered what to do with it, and then I remembered that they bring good luck and money. I scooped it into a paper box from tea and took it outside.

Good luck, Wrimos. Keep pressing forward.

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma’s Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

On this anniversary of the Armistice or Veteran’s Day, the sun was out and I did better moving the story forward by introducing a few more elements.

I broke up my writing for a trip to Big Rapids to see my elderly parents who are waning fast. In their late 80s, they’ve been fine until the last two to three months. My dad, a former math professor at Ferris State University still solved problems and drove back from Venice, FL in late April of 2023. My mom has been suffering from various ailments most of her life, but recently her health got worse.

I worry about them every day but try not to think about it when I am writing. As a true catholic, I feel guilty that I am not with them. We’re all taking it day by day.

I dedicated my Greenwich Meridian Memoir to them. I am so happy that I got it done, and they both read the book and even contributed to it.

We took my brother home to Paris, MI. I love Paris in all seasons except for now and winter. There’s even an Eiffel Tower sitting on a knoll in the park. My brother is a train model builder. Check out his creation. He was the inspiration for one of my stories “Waiting for Snow” in book no.2 “Secrets.”

I logged in 1,558 words in two sessions.

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

A good writing day

My creativity must copy the weather. I don’t know how else to explain it. As the sun came out, I immediately felt up to the 50k-word challenge breaking my regular morning routine.

I started writing around 7 a.m. and got done with my set word quota before my haircut appointment in town at 9 a.m. I walked into the dark as the electricity went out at Station Salon, but the show must continue.

We exchanged salon talk for info around town. And I mean info, not gossip. Lowell will have a new restaurant set to open in December in the old Springrove building. YAY! No more empty storefronts.

I even got in regular work and research at my branch office on Murray Lake, my car. LOL. After I finished writing in session 2, I took to the trail and walked in the crisp November air on a sunny afternoon.

The word count may not seem great, but the way it got done was pleasant. What did I eat today? A Harmony trail mix with a great brand story that I will share later.

I am leaving for the reception at Lowell Arts in eight minutes. That’s what I call a productive day. I logged in 1,715 words.

To be continued.

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