The first book in The Baronessa Chronicles is just a bit closer to completion thanks to my novel writing class this semester and NaNoWriMo. As much as I hated that daily word count sometimes, I am grateful that I had motivation pushing me to keep working. Especially working through the throes of prepping for finals and graduation next month. And yes, I did win NaNoWriMo this year!

I was only able to reach the goal of 50,000 words because I dug deep down and used every spare moment I could to write. For a while I’d not considered the train a place that I could write it, but with some strategic seat choosing, I found ways to make it work. Having time to write has been one of the few good things to come out of my four hour round trip commute.

Reaching my goal also came about because of wonderful people at school. During the last academic year, I was the president for my university’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. Although I am not in that position because of graduation, I still participated in the group’s NaNoWriMo weekly write-ins. There was something special about having a group of people writing together that made the words flow. My chapter of the LUW also had a write-in this month, which was helpful.

This is the first year that I’ve participated in write-ins, but it is an experience I highly recommend to anyone who is trying to write!

With NaNoWriMo finished for this year, I’ll be taking a couple of days to rest and then get back to it. The Lost Colony still has a ways to go before the first draft is done. Keep an eye on that progress bar!