Yonuh, how's NaNoWriMo coming along? I'm still behind where I should be, but at least I'm still writing!

I'm still ahead of the count, Phew! Last weekend was iffy as my characters were all MIA. Had to threaten to kill them off and find some who would show up when they're supposed to - that fixed 'em! LOL Then I sort of ran out of steam, so I took a very minor character, only mentioned in letters between 2 other characters, and expanded her role in the story - it worked! Only problem now is one of the main male characters isn't cooperating with what I envisioned for him, so I'll have to rethink that one. He's just not going where I wanted him to go. So I'll have to play along and see what happens.

I have to admit, I wasn't sure I could do this as I have only ever written short stories, and I'm not 'wordy' at all. This has been an eye opener; I've surprised myself in how much blather I can write. Editing ought to be fun!!

"Blather" -- I love that word! My critique group and I are about halfway through editing my NaNo novel from 2009. Assuming I finish the current NaNo book, who knows when it will be ready to go?

Like you, my characters aren't cooperating, which tells me I need to keep on writing until they reveal what they want to do. Right now they are so boring I can hardly stand them. I like your idea of threatening to kill or perhaps maim them, though that's hard to do in a romance.

Hang in there. It sounds like you're doing great!

Here in Scotland a chat is called a blether...A good blether covers many topics...not gossip just a catching up and putting the world to rights.

Maeve Bincey an author I appreciate writes as we Scots speak..she weaves connections and even catches up with characters within some of her books...In Ireland where Maeve lives a blether is "the crack" so I understand what you are striving for with you book...get these people blethering ...you can and will

I LOVE Maeve Binchy and have most of her books. Her characters feel like old friends to me.

I officially validated my novel today at (drum roll please!) 50,126 words. Which means I am an official NaNoWriMo Winner! I honestly didn't think I could reach 50,000 words. But I did it, and I'm so proud of myself!!

I still have a lot more to write - I thought getting to 50,000 would be a stretch but it seems it's just the beginning. Then comes the fun part - editing and trying to make sense of what I wrote. I have a ton more research to do as I think I probably got some facts wrong and I know my timeline is messed up. So, back to work. :-)

Congratulations, yonuh! This is so cool. I'm pround of you!!!

Thanks, jabber. I had a great support system from my friends and the community on NaNoWriMo. It was an awesome experience and one I would highly recommend. :-)

I'm really impressed, Yonuh. I've always wanted to write a novel, but never got more than a few pages written.

You are a officially a winner as you said, for completing 50,000 words of course, but I can't wait to hear you're ready to start the final edit before publishing.

Both you and Sandy N. make me so proud.

"Attagirls" to you both!

Anne

I don't think I could have done it without participating in NaNoWriMo. Knowing that I had to reach a specific word count by a certain date gave me the incentive I needed. I had written stuff before but often gave up before I had anything real. This experience has shown me that I can do it. Now to keep the momentum going! :-)