August is the month. The month when I will do what other writers and creative people have done for centuries. I’m going to lock myself away and not come out until I’ve accomplished my goal of finishing my first piece of serous work. Now, don’t get me wrong, “locking myself away” isn’t going to be the same as The Man in the Iron Mask. I’m thinking I’ll be more like Benjamin Franklin during the June 1787 conventions. I’ll still be sociable with people, but I’ve got to get my work done too. Plus, I’m 99% certain no one will have to come get me from a bar in the early morning hours (I leave that 1% open so I don’t make a liar out of myself and let you all down).

Many people participate in National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo. This event, which takes place in November of every year, started in 1999 to encourage writers to build a habit of writing everyday. The only issue is, I love working outside in November, so I never participate. I’m not going to give my writing month any special name. I’m just going to write and write, until I can’t write anymore.

There are some wonderful tools and information on the NaNoWriMo website, so I would be remiss if I did not include it here:

National Novel Writing Month – NaNoWriMo

Another reason why I’m not going to wait until November to finish my novel is I already have the novel written (mostly). It may read like a second grade report on the migration of ducks, but dang it, it’s written. I have written over 80,000 words and many of them actually form enjoyable sentences.

I’ll  be giving this first draft some serious TLC and personal editing. My time to do my personal editing and re-writing starts at midnight of July 31st and ends midnight August 31st. I may not finish during this time period, but I’m really going to try.

The reason why I’ve decided to give myself this deadline is the same reason many artist have a hard time letting certain paintings leave their studios; it’s not perfect enough for me.

I’ve been messing around with this manuscript for almost a year now and it’s time to either finish it and send to my editor or scrap the whole thing and start over.

Since I know I will not be scraping the whole thing, it’s time to finish it.

The problem I’m facing is my own doubt. I keep coming back to previous written chapters and re-writing them so much they no longer look like the original work. The original work I wrote with passion and love, not with a critical eye of someone who’s trying to impress others. So, it’s got to get out of here before I ruin it.

I also need to finish it now so, if for no other reason, I can start a new one. I have so many ideas for future stories, if I don’t get this one done, I’ll never get the other ones started. Even if it’s not perfect (no work of art ever is) I’ve decided I’m going to make this one as great as I can in August and hope for the best.

I’ll keep everyone updated on the progress… Maybe, I’ll keep everyone updated on my progress… Hopefully, I’ll keep everyone updated on my progress. Okay, I can’t promise this at all.

There will be so many hairs I’ll pull out and tears I’ll shed, I might take the time to load a photo of what I look like while deep down in crazyville of re-writes. I think there may be Scotch involved. Yes, Scotch. I can’t write a proper novel without the drink of authors.

During August, please expect many updates which only include photos of cats, photos of coffee cups, and photos of Scotch. Those updates may be the only thing left of me when I’m finished.

So, that’s it. Simple as can be.

No more doubts, fears, or worry. I’m going to write it and send it out on the wind to see where it grows.

(Also, I really hope all of you read it. I’m sure the Pokemon Go gods will reward you for your purchase.)

 

Until next time…be safe, be kind, and always be happy.