Nows and Forevers

Sixteen days to NaNoWriMo.
This is one of my favorite times of the year, to be honest. I like Thanksgiving just in general as a holiday. I enjoy watching the season tunnel further toward winter, with leaves down and days and nights markedly colder. And I like National Novel Writing Month.
Last year, for the first time in more than a decade, I didn’t participate. I didn’t even try to participate or get ready. I’m a journalist and also an ardent journal writer, so I already spend a lot of time writing. I jump at the chance to be able to stretch myself, and NaNoWriMo since 2009 has been just that for me.
A chance to stretch myself.
But last year was a challenge. I was writing a lot but I was also mired in, frankly, depression and loss. I didn’t feel up to what NaNoWriMo had to offer. It’s taken me a while to get to a place where I could, but I think I am. I’ve written throughout, and some of my most raw and emotional work. But it’s not what I want to share at the moment.
At the beginning of the year, I dropped out of my long-term Welsh studies to focus on a book project that called to me. I’ve been working on the research for the last several months, and I’m getting close to starting a draft. I’ve even fired up Aeon Timeline to get ready.
Writing part of the first draft of this book, it’s a perfect goal for NaNoWriMo.
I can’t wait.