It’s Nanowrimo time again! For those of you who don’t know, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a time when writers from all over the world commit to writing 50,000 words during November. We do it all together, hopefully encouraging each other, supporting each other, and challenging each other. There is also a NaNoWriMo Young Writer’s Program if you know any young people who might be interested!

This year, even though I’m exceptionally strapped for time, I hope to take my writing to the next level. Current status: I’m on the third revision of Mirror of Sparrows, with 3/8ths of my current draft almost bearable to read. Goal: to edit and rewrite the last 5/8ths and to have a complete revision of Mirror of Sparrows by the end of November (each 8th being about ten thousand words).

Here is my plan for success:

Step 1: Wake up and start writing by 4:45 am daily. I will not be picking up my phone or doing social media or checking email at that time. If you hear from me between 4:45 and 5:45 am, I give you permission to remind me of my goals.

Step 2: Reward myself. If I write at least an entire hour before leaving for work, then I can enjoy a coffee from a local coffee shop that day. If you would like to sponsor me, that would be even more fun!

Step 3: Keep communicating with my writing buddy on the Big Island – at least once a day. We can update each other on how we are doing and keep each other on track. She is truly an answer to prayer.

Step 4: Update my stats on the Nanowrimo website. NaNoWriMo graphs each writer’s progress, and I find the visual representation of my progress quite helpful.

Step 5: Participate in the local Nanowrimo write-ins. I’m hoping to go to at least four.

Step 6: Participate in at least one Nanowrimo sprint before collapsing at the end of each day.

Step 7: prayer. I’m scheduling this for 4:30 am to 4:45 am, as well as for 15 minutes before I fall asleep. Seven is the number for completion and perfection, btw.

Starting in on November 1st, this is the game plan. Hopefully, I follow through on this step-by-step set-up for success. Then, by the end of the month, I’ll have a story that makes sense and is super fun to read.

I would be ever so thankful for any encouragement, prayers, or coffee to this end! : )