Still Plodding Along in Week Three

NaNoWriMo: Day 22
Current word count: 41,040

I lost two days to the stomach flu this week. It put me behind on work, but helped me get ahead on my NaNo wordcount and allowed some time for me to start my editing final.

It’s all downhill from here for me. I hit 41k words yesterday, which leaves less than 10k words to write. I’m no longer afraid that I won’t win NaNo.

I’m mostly just afraid I’ve kind of let my region down as Municipal Liaison (ML). I haven’t been as engaged or encouraging with people this year. I know people – even people in my year-round writers group – are struggling, and I haven’t been able to encourage them.

I’m proud of my status as group mom, but I am disappointed in myself this year. I’ve had thoughts – dark and sad thoughts – about resigning as ML next year. I feel like I should make way for someone who has the energy and excitement for NaNo that I used to and just can’t seem to muster anymore. My region deserves someone who isn’t just going through the motions.

We’ll see how I feel when ML applications open up next year. Perhaps I’m just bogged down with all of my responsibilities this year and I’ll feel more peppy and excited next year.

But this year, I’ve just been putting in my time without the passion. I hope I can recapture the energy and thrill of NaNo next year, but if I can’t, next year may be my last. Next year will mark my tenth NaNo, and that seems like as good a time as any to retire.

But only time will tell. I may think I was crazy to even think of quitting when November rolls around next year.

Here’s hoping.