And we’re off!

Well, as of midnight last night, National Novel Writing Month began. And I’m off to a good start, as far as the word count goes. It’s already been an amazing process just getting ready; how well can one prepare for what amounts to an insane leap off the literary cliff? For one thing, even though this novel’s been fermenting in my head for years, I’ve had to sharply face the reality that I have no idea what happens in it. It’s all motivation and twist and atmosphere and world-building—trying to staple down a plot feels like Peter Pan trying to attach his shadow back to his feet. But you better believe I’m going to catch that bitch and nail it. I’ve been waiting my whole life for the chance to do this.

For those interested, here’s an excerpt:

He sighed. “I don’t know. Everybody’s got to find their own thing to live for. I didn’t used to know what mine was. But it’s…it’s a mistake to quit before you find out just what it is.”
I sat, thoughtful. He leaned closer, and a lock of his hair fell down in his eyes, blocking the candlelight and throwing his face into shadow. He smiled strangely, then his eyes closed. “It could be anything,” he went on. “Storms, friends, finding out what happens, whatever.” He took my hand again. “This moment,” he said, and dipped my index finger in the pool of wax. It hurt, but I didn’t say anything. He put his in as well, then stuck our fingers together. “Pain’s just a part of life.”

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