What I Learned from Not Writing a Book

As many of you know, I spent the month of November participating in Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month.

It feels like November 1st was yesterday. I still remember huddling up in my room and typing the first few words of my novel.

But then something happened.

I lost interest.

Losing interest is typical when writing a long piece. I continued to move forward, writing detailed scenes and long patches of dialogue. I was up on the word count I was doing well.

Until I woke up one morning and realized that my resistance to writing the novel didn't have to do with procrastination or writer's block.

My resistance had everything to do with passion.

I didn't like what I was writing. Although the concept excited me, as I started the piece every word felt like a struggle. I felt like I was lying to my readers. My characters lacked strength and my writing lacked soul.

I know now that I have to write what sets my soul on fire. Unfortunately, that novel was not it. But I am convinced that I am a better, more organized writer because of it. In the future, my aim is to truly write words that will inspire you, my readers, to live lives that you love.

I hope you are spending your time today doing something that sets your soul on fire.

I'm Writing a Book

You heard me.

Right now I am sitting in a library, snuggled up inside one of the study rooms. Computer in front of me, notebook and pen to my right, music playing through my earphones.

This month I am participating in Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month. I will be writing 50,000 words in the month of November.

Am I insane? Possibly.
Am I excited? Definitely.

I've stuck with one idea and now I get to see it come to life. I love seeing my characters jump off the page.

I'm keeping my idea under wraps for now, but just know that it's a little bit of science fiction, a little bit of romance and a little bit of rebellion.

It's not too late to participate in Nanowrimo! Check out the website if you're interested, and look up 'Jacklyn Lee' if you want to be writing buddies or check out my progress.

Happy writing, everyone!