Stats
Average Daily Wordcount (Week 9 Only): 3,357
Week 9 Total Wordcount: 23,502
Average Daily Wordcount (October): 2,951
October Total Wordcount: 91,494
Year Total Wordcount: 191,564
Words to go:
Year: 808,436
Previous Milwordy Wrap Ups: September.
I’m sad to see Halloween go. Even though I’m enjoying NaNoWriMo so far, I’m going to miss all the spooky fun of October.
I am happy to announce that October was a successful month for me, writing-wise. True, I wasn’t quite as prolific as I was in September. I didn’t top 100k, which I admit was my secret stretch goal for myself. Still, I went over my minimum Milwordy goal, so that’s something to be happy about.
I finished two novellas in October, which completed my 5-part series that I started in September. Granted, these are only first drafts and they’re going to need a lot of revising, but I’m still pretty proud of the accomplishment.
I started and finished a Halloween short story that, much to my surprise, turned out to be a sort of Cinderella story—if the Fairy Godmother was the Grim Reaper and when midnight struck you died. I’ve started and finished many novels over the past decade, but almost zero short stories. You’d think it would be the other way around. In any case, this feels like a big win as well.
Moreover, I kept up with this blog, which is more than I can say for my past attempts at blogging, which were short, and not worth mentioning. I even finished my Structure Saturday series on the Snowflake Method, which to be honest, is probably the only reason I finished my outline for my NaNoWriMo novel on time.
So, what did I learn this month?
Well, first I learned the value of a proper writing space. Now that I’m writing on my desk instead of the couch, I haven’t really had anymore typing pain. Plus, I just like the atmosphere, especially now that I’ve added string lights overhead.
I’ve learned that outlines are important and that I need to give them the proper amount of time to develop before starting the drafting process. Though my NaNo outline is technically done, I wish that I had more time to adjust it. That’s a good lesson to take with me into the future.
And I’ve learned that caffeine and sugar are not helpful for my focus, which is why I’ve decided to give up coffee and pop, and scale back on added sugar—particularly Halloween candy. Boy, do I wish I had done this a week ago though. Starting NaNoWriMo while going through caffeine withdrawal is not ideal.
So that’s it for October. November has already begun and I’m feeling optimistic about the progress I will make this month. I hope you’re challenging yourself, in whatever way works best for you, and most importantly that you’re enjoying the journey.
Bonus Writing Prompt: A side character finds out a secret about your main character. What happens next?
If you are enjoying my blog, please like, follow, and share. I’m @RamblingRobinJ on Twitter and Instagram and you can find me on the NaNoWriMo website under the same name if you’re looking for a buddy.
-Robin
Rambling Robin 