An Apology

Last year, before I went to a self-hosted blog, I made a separate page to use for updates in the month-long international adventure called NaNoWriMo (short for National Novel Writing Month).

NaNoWriMo is when thousands upon thousands of totally INSANE people authors around the world make a commitment to write the first draft of a 50,000 word novel – from start to finish. Last year I was very ambitious and thought I could not only do that, but double the number while writing and finishing some other projects. I actually wrote just over 81,000 words, the first 50,000 in twelve days…and then I took a week off. So over 80k in roughly three weeks was pretty good. Very exhausting, but good.

This year my goal is much simpler than that. To write 50,000 words to go with the two chapters I’ve already written for Cal’s book. I won’t add the word count I already have, just the new words. And periodically, I’ll do a post about how well I’m doing. It’s not so much for my readers as it is to kind of back me into the whole rock and a hard place position. Yes, I set public goals to embarrass myself into keeping them sometimes.

Why? Because with hypothyroidism-related fatigue plaguing me every day, it’s too easy to give in and take a nap instead. This way it’s constantly on my mind that I have a goal…and everyone knows about it.

So there you have it. Today is November first…and I’m diving in. Keep some life preservers handy though…just in case.

 

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8 Responses to An Apology

  1. I bought and read Jon’s book the day it came out. I LOVED it! Then I read the teaser for Cal’s story and thought I was going to be sick. I walked around with a stomach ache the entire next day and it keeps popping up in my mind. I keep coming up with scenarios of how to fix their marriage. It just proves what a talented writer you are that Cal and Darby have taken up residence in my brain. I’m so looking forward to reading their story and I’d be more than ecstatic if it came out waaayyy before Christmas. Thank you for all the wonderful books. – Shelley

    • Kristy K. James says:

      Wow! I am seriously behind on comments, Shelley…I am sorry. My only excuse is that between a really painful dental infection and trying to get Cal’s story written, I’ve completely lost track of time this month.

      I wish I could tell you how his book will end, but I am working on it. It’s more than two-thirds of the way finished now, and I should have the first draft to the betas within two weeks, and then the final edits and I’m crossing my fingers for mid-December.

      I’m glad the characters are real to you, because they are to me, too. And thank you. I love knowing that people enjoy my writing. And that’s a good thing, lol, because I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop. It’s nice to know they’re being read instead of collecting virtual dust. 🙂

  2. Korinna Berry says:

    You’ve done it again my friend! I read the entire book as soon as I got it now I am longing for my family- these characters have become like family. Kristy, I hope your mind is whirling and your typing is steadfast because I cannot wait! I have my mind spinning and you know, Ed needs more than a novella because as I see this, his stalker might not be the only fly in the ointment. I think my mind has really twisted a CSI here. Lol

    You are awesome and you have my writing itch needing to be scratched again. I loved this book and I love the series and Mrs. James, you inspire me. Not only have I found friends through the characters, they have defined you and I have found a friend in the author!!! Bless you.

    • Kristy K. James says:

      Hi, Korinna…
      Thank you very much for all of your kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series. The characters feel like family to me, too. So far Cal’s book is coming along very nicely, and I’m still hoping for a pre-Christmas release. As for Ed’s story, I’m still trying to figure out what I can do with that. Honestly, it probably won’t be ready until next Christmastime though. I have a few other projects that I really need to get done before that. And…it might take me that long to figure out a decent storyline for him.

      One of the very best things about my writing journey is getting to know the people who enjoy my stories, and making new friends. 🙂

  3. Berniece Matthews says:

    I was waiting for what seem like forever for Jon’s book and was glad to read it. So now I am on pins and needles waiting on Cal’s story I am also a little afraid as to what the outcome will be. The Daddy Pact is still my favorite though. Coach’s Boys is a wonderful series

    • Kristy K. James says:

      Berniece…it did take forever to get Jon’s book done. I’d actually wanted to have it available by the end of July or early August, but the problems with my thyroid had me walking around every day like a zombie for most of the summer. And then Jon was such a pain in the neck! Technically most of the trouble had to do with balance. The stalker needed to have more page time in that book, and it was so much fun to write that dealing with the MAIN part of the story – the romance – kind of got lost at times. So I had to keep going back to change the focus when I’d remember that it was actually Jon and Hannah’s story…not the stalkers. 🙂

      I’m still hoping for a pre-Christmas release for Cal’s book, so not too long to wait. The timing is perfect with this being National Novel Writing Month. And now I’m heading back to the manuscript to try and double yesterday’s word count. 🙂

      By the way…I will always have a soft spot for The Daddy Pact. It was the first, and there’s just something about Dan that I will always love. 🙂

  4. I always sign up but I never seem to make it to 50,000 words…lol.

    • Kristy K. James says:

      Stormi…I don’t think it really matters whether you hit the 50k or not. I try to look at it as a motivational tool. I’ll try to hit my daily goal (and surpass it if I can), but no matter what I get done in November, it’s probably going to be more than if I hadn’t participated at all. There’s just something about seeing the word count grow that keeps me trying.

      Good luck this year! 🙂

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