One of the reasons I signed up for this challenge was to test myself. Life is busy and hectic for me right now, and I’m doing this as a way of stretching my boundaries. To see what I can do without completely losing my mind or my health. I have never been fond of deadlines; I meet them when I must. But the world, these days, seems to be more deadline-driven, so I want to fit in a bit better than I have up until now.

One of the reasons I am grateful to be a writer is that it fits beautifully with my introverted nature. I see writing as a gloriously solitary pursuit. While I have taken writing courses, and enjoyed reading the work of others, critiquing it and having them critique mine, I prefer the act of creating to be done in private.

So what is it about this monthly novel writing challenge that brings out this group-think mentality? Are there writers who thrive when in the company of other writers? Who are spurred on to create instead of being distracted by the fellowship? I guess there are, judging by the number of emails, updates, blogposts and tweets. To me, those things are attention-craving distractions that add to the stress of writing with a purpose, a schedule and word-count Swords of Damocles.

I missed a couple of days of writing – my full-time job and regular life interrupted my flow – but I will dig in and catch up this weekend. Peace and quiet at home will provide the ambience I need. Don’t look for me at the weekly café write-fests or online support groups. I’ll just be writing…

Good luck to all my fellow NaNoWriMo writers! And now, back to the next blank page in my novel “The Beginning of the Middle” or “The First Half” – still haven’t decided.