3 Days Down, 27 to Go

Three days into National Novel Writing Month and, I’ve landed at a solid 4,208 words to wrap up this Sunday. This brings my total manuscript word count to 21,771. It’s rewarding to hit the 25% goal milestone with much to show for it! My main character (MC) has crossed the threshold, accepted the adventure, and is in the midst of the first rising action.

Inspired by late-night delirium, where I write until I am writing with my eyes closed and half asleep, daylight savings time, and stories from my childhood, I’ve introduced elves, trolls, aurora borealis, shipwrecks, and runes into the plot line. Magical realism mixed with the human, vulnerable feelings of grief, joy, discovery, curiosity, and friendship are all in the novel soup.

Overall, I’d give this week an A- (great on the personal front, with a lot of goodness and a bit of room to improve because, well, election anxiety and all). I’m paying attention to my writer’s reservoir and went to a Vitamin String Quartet on Friday night. It was amazing. My favorite is when they played a cover of Prince’s Purple Rain. You can watch a version here on YouTube from a previous date. They are currently touring, so if you have a chance to see them, I’d 10/10 recommend.

My mom also launched a workbook into the world, which I’ll write more about soon. It was a darling event at Leona Ruby, and I caught up with some old friends. My mom always told me when I was growing up that Des Moines was like a big room where “you keep bumping into the same people.” It’s nice to have a community to come back to and feel a part of.

With that, it’s time to turn in because we have a full week of novel writing ahead. It’s not too late to start if you feel inspired to full send your idea for a book. See you over at @lacywriteswords for more daily updates!