Falling Behind

Though we’ve crossed the halfway point, though we’ve started another weekend (yeah!), and though we might have finally figured out that roadblock that’s been bothering us for a few days, there is another problem we must face – falling behind on our quota.

Things happen that take us away from writing. If it happens enough, even those of us who have built up an extra cushion of words or are aiming for goals higher than 50k will inevitably fall behind.

Keep Writing

Obviously, real life comes first. Go feed your kids, run to the grocery store, and make sure your spouse has their favorite brand of chips (you’re out of ice cream anyway, right?). It is completely possible to maintain your real life responsibilities and still cross the finish line. After the grocery store run, you can get back to your story.

Though the amount you’re falling behind may be freaking you out a little bit, you must not panic. Falling behind at some point happens to just about everyone. You are not allowed to panic until the last few days of NaNo. But that’s almost two weeks away. You have plenty of time to catch up.

But I Don’t Have Time to Catch Up!

Do you still have time to write your daily quota? If so, just add more to your quota for a few days until you’re caught up. If your writing time has flown out the window, then search for windows of opportunity to start writing. If you have a laptop (a Wrimo’s best friend), take it with you. You will be amazed how often you will have time to whip it out and write more.

Remember you don’t have to schedule two hour blocks of time in order to write. You can pen stuff in 15 or 30 minutes if you have to. This is where word wars are useful. The looming deadline is approaching, and you’re behind. Find a word war buddy online and start typing away. Or race against yourself. See if that helps you.

Don’t Give Up!

As you’ve figured out by now, I’m not keen on anyone quitting. I will always encourage you to keep on writing until you can write no more. You can do this. Go read the I Can’t Funeral again. Remember that you haven’t failed and your novel is not the most horrendous thing ever written. Don’t judge what you’ve done now. That is for later. Right now, your goal is to finish. Remember your vacation, your reward, and your motivation. You can do this!

Now go write that next scene! You need the words!