No NaNoWriMo

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Logo for the National Novel Writing Month

Once again, in November, I will not be participating in National Novel Writing Month, more popularly known as NaNoWriMo.

First of all, I can barely stay awake, even though it’s not even six in the evening (as I write this). That means, I can’t think clearly. I’ve been trying for several days to finish a short story, but every evening when I get home from my slave job, I’m exhausted. My hours changed, so I have to get up at 5 in the morning. That used to be pretty normal for me, but as I get older, I have discovered that getting and then staying asleep at night is becoming more difficult.

Also, writing a novel in a month is either a challenge at best or torture and tyranny at worst. I did manage to write a 10,000 novelette in a week for a similar online challenge. It wasn’t chosen for publication, so now what do I do with it (actually, I have plans, but I still need time and a clear head to enable them)?

Day time, and especially mornings are best for writing, preferably with a steaming hot cup of coffee nearby. Tomorrow, my wife has errands to run, but it’s time for me to clean out the rain gutters, and then my granddaughter will be coming over. I probably won’t even have time for my desperately needed haircut.

Sunday morning, I take my Mom to church, and I don’t know what will be happening Sunday afternoon.

And then the week cuts in again and I enter another loop for the next five days.

See what I mean?

My wife and I don’t do anything for Halloween. We turn off all the lights, close the shutters and curtains, and silently watch our programs in the dark. The original 1984 film “Ghostbusters” is my Halloween favorite (accept no substitutes).

I had planned to forego the movie and spend the time writing, but fatigue combined with anxiety smashed that plan to bits.

It’s not just the time but it’s the frame of mind and energy level that needs adjusting.

For those of you who can devote yourselves to “NaNoWriMo,” more power to you. You have my support and admiration. As for me, my muse had better bring me a cup of wake up juice and a back rub.

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