Finish LineIt’s nearing the end of November. This is the home stretch for all of us NaNo-ites. We’ve got seven days, not including today, to write the last words to either finish our story or hit that magical number, 50,000 words. For some, they have already surpassed their word count goal, and they’re already to the editing stages. Others have written far more than 50,000, but still have more story to write. And there are people like me who still have about 20,000 words to write, story be damned.

I think the reason that National Novel Writing Month works quite so well is the pressure it puts on a person. Because when you think about it, really – 50,000 words in 30 days? When most participants for the first time are not regular writers? Ack! That’s insane!

But you’re writing with thousands of other people, and there’s a clearly defined goal, and there’s even a website that will hold you accountable and count your words for you. And even if you’re entering the last week with a serious word count deficit, chances are that given enough time, the pressure will get you to finish.

I’m very excited for this last week of NaNo. I have a very supportive husband, more so this year than any previous year, actually. I also have a half-day on Wednesday with daycare available, as well as the day after Thanksgiving when I can simply write my heart out and not think, or do, anything else.

Especially not turn on the television. That’s sure to derail me at this late date.