The first week of NaNoWriMo has almost drawn to a close, and I have had a weak start to say the least. 50,000 words in 30 days is so many words. The current official count is 4364, and just to save you from doing the math, I’m behind schedule. Like, really behind. However, I’m not throwing in the towel just yet. Just like the last time I did this challenge (the Camp version), I will use this blog and other outlets to hold myself accountable. It’s harder to slack off on something when there are a The Fire Crystal Chronicles. I finally finished the first book about two weeks ago (it took six months…and would have taken less time had I not refocused on The Guardians for awhile). However, since the first book of the new series is not out among the world yet, and talking to much about book two would mean massive spoilers, I can’t say a whole lot about it.
ton of people you don’t want to disappoint. This go around, I’m working on the second installment of
Why is this go around proving so difficult for me? Well, for starters, it could be that I am now working a full time job, and have a much more set schedule than when I was a full time student with a more fluid schedule. Don’t get me wrong, I was plenty busy in grad school, but I had a lot more flexibility when it came to how I used the hours of my day outside of my classes. With work, by the time I get home working a full day, I have housework things to do. Plus, with my particular job working in the university setting, I often work a lot outside of my set office schedule. Let’s just be clear, I love my job, but it can be exhausting. Sometimes, I simply don’t have the energy to sit down and focus on writing at the end of the day. I’d much rather turn my brain off and binge on Netflix.
Another possibility for why I’m struggling so much with NaNoWriMo this go around is that I’m plain and simply burnt out. Within the last month and a half, I’ve edited, formatted, and published one book, and finished writing another. That’s a lot of book, and while I’m still passionate and determined to be successful as a writer, a break is probably needed soon. Burn out happens, and it’s important to recognize when it’s happening in order to keep yourself from experiencing a full break down. This is true for ANYBODY, not just for writers. Know when you’ve reached your limits, and recognize when you need a break. I know I’m going to need a break after this. I’m going to need time to relax, recuperate, and rekindle the spark for productivity.
So, I’m not giving up, but I’m recognizing my own limitations. Christmas break is going to be an actual break. Stay tuned for updates on my progress, and we’ll see where we stand on December 1st.
Until next time,
E.K. Broich