You Must Try

In February 2013, an idea for a story came to me, in such a rush, that for one month, I did nothing but write. However, by the time November approached, I found excuses for why I couldn't possibly participate in NaNoWriMo: I probably didn't have another story in me; the month kicks off with my son's birthday; we usually have family in town for at least two weekends in November; Thanksgiving—and a week off for the kids—rounds out that month. No way can I write 50,000 words, right?

Last fall, though, after urging from one of my writing group members, I decided to shelve the excuses and put on paper the women's fiction that was in my head. Sure, I was busy—who isn't with four children, their activities, my own teaching, editing, and writing group, and life's everyday business? But I found myself with a goal in hand and because of that, I prioritized my writing. And miraculously, everything fell into place: my kids behaved and allowed me time to write; no one cared that we ate the same dinner two nights in a row; my editing obligations flowed smoothly; and for at least two days that I subbed, I was left in charge of students who had an assignment to do, which meant I could, conceivably, write for hours at a stretch!

The lesson I learned? It didn't matter how crazy life was at the moment, getting at least 1667 words down each day could be done. And I was a person who could do it. (Yes, I won NaNoWriMo 2015 and I blogged about it, which you can read here.)

It's no surprise then, that despite the insanity that encompasses my life again this year (and I swear it only gets worse with each year that passes), I'm piling just a bit more on. I've decided to write a New Adult story, Just Be. I know that with a positive attitude and the support of the Dayton NaNoWriMo region, I'll be able to call myself a winner again this year.

So I say to you, if nothing else, know this:

1.      You can do it.

2.      But first, you must try. 

Christina Consolino