For the first November in three years I am not doing NaNoWriMo in 2015. As you can see on their web site, when you sign up for National Novel Writing Month you commit to writing 50,000 words in the 30 days of November. Yes, including Thanksgiving. That’s 1,667 words a day, roughly equivalent to a 7 page paper. Each day you report how many words you’ve written to your NaNoWriMo page and they plot a nifty graph showing your progress toward the 50,000 word goal. You can also see the progress made by your NaNo friends and they can see yours (no pressure there!). If you actually write 50,000 words by November 30th, you WIN!! You get an electronic certificate you can print for yourself, or you can buy yourself a NaNoWriMo tee shirt. Whoopee!

All three books of my Estela Nogales mysteries were drafted during NaNoWriMo 2012, 2013 and 2014, which explains why I have disappeared every November for the past three years. So if I’m not doing NaNoWriMo this year, does that mean there will be no fourth book? Good question.

For writing a book, as in dieting, there seems to be only one way to succeed. To write a book, you must sit down and write it, day after day, until it is done. Stephen King writes 2,000 words a day. Every writer I know tries to set a daily word count goal, and keep to it despite every possible distraction and obstacle. I may someday write about the obstacles I encountered the past few months that resulted in my not being ready for NaNoWriMo this year.

Nevertheless, I am keeping to my daily goal of 500 words, which is not enough to win a certificate, but eventually might be enough to finish a fourth Estela Nogales mystery. All is not lost, because NanoWriMo also offers a virtual summer camp program in July. Just like in real summer camp, writers are assigned to cabins with other writers. The July program is more laid back, allowing writers to set their own word count goal. Disappointingly, there are no marshmallow roasts at NaNoWriMo summer camp.

The volunteers running the NaNoWriMo program provide important tools for writers, including a structure or plan for success, and the accountability of reporting daily progress—sort of like Weight Watchers. Thousands of people all over the world participate in NaNoWriMo, including young people in writing classes. To continue offering their program, donations are always welcome, which can be made by going to the NaNoWriMo web site.

Do you have a book in you? I’m happy to answer questions about NaNoWriMo or the process of writing.