November 1, 2012 – National Novel Writing Month has begun. And all I have is the title of my story, while others have written anywhere from 2000 to over 4000 words on this first day. I can’t seem to concentrate and it’s driving me insane!

I have been busy arranging a book give away and signing event for my newly published novel, Saving Alessandra. I have been ferociously attacking my second WIP, In the Presence of Emileigh, which is the sequel to Saving Alessandra. Over 100 pages have been written, waiting impatiently for me to continue its journey. But now, it’s time for NaNoWriMo.

It’s a craziness writers of all ages around the world love to embark upon, yet dread at the same time. Why? Because it challenges you in so many ways. Ways that if you have never done it before, will leave you exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s a battle of wits between keeping your fingers to the keyboard, and the inner editor of your brain desperate to edit in shut off mode. Which happens to be my dilemma.

I am a consummate editor when I write. I have yet to master what other writers have told me to do. TURN THE EDITOR IN YOU OFF! It is quite difficult to do. However, I have motivation that will hopefully get me through the next 30 days. I want to complete my sequel to Saving Alessandra without fail. Preferably by the end of December. It is a major goal I have set for myself, I know. In fact, it is so outrageous I will be writing it simultaneously with the story for NaNoWriMo. Which will also be an installment to Saving Alessandra. Impossible? I don’t think so. A little loony? You betcha. But it’s what I need to do. And with a lot of prayers, it may just be the ticket to getting rid of that infernal editor inside of me.

So as this first day of NaNoWriMo begins to wind down, a multitude of people have completed their writing goals for the day; while I still need to create one sentence. At least my writing buddies will see that I posted a title for my story. That’s kind of a start. Isn’t it?

Happy writing everyone!

Christine Maria Jahn