My Crazy November

I know I haven't posted on here in quite a while, and to my readers, I apologize for that. As you can tell by the calendar it is November, so that usually means I'm deep in the throws of National Novel Writing Month. While I started off on the First with good intentions, life had a funny way of knocking me for a big loop this year.

Unlike my second attempt at NaNo in 2010 where I had a boatload of health issues (primarily emotional and psychological), the 2016 has been extremely busy for a variety of reasons. The first was my latest (and, unexpected until a few weeks beforehand) book signing. My C. D. Melley persona made an appearance at the Beach Babe's Book Blast author event in Tampa, Florida on the 12th. The good news for me behind the appearance was I was able to network with some new-to-me authors and bloggers. The bad news, since I, too, was new to the Florida market, my sales figures were non-existent. But, it was a fun day for me, regardless.

The other factor, and this is probably the main factor hindering my attempt this year is my job. For those who don't know, I work part-time as an Administrative Clerk at a local university. (But, in essence, I'm a "Photocopy Jockey.") And, November for a university usually means "Exam Time", and I have seen my share of exam papers to last me a lifetime this month. Such as the case when it's a busy campus, but it helps supplement the bill payments.

So, needless to say, my NaNo attempt this year is faltering. At the current juncture, I have written over 28,600 words this month. The catch is, in order to "win" NaNo, I have to hit 50,000 words before the end of the month. While I look forward to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in hopes to narrow the gap, I don't really think the likelihood of a "come from behind" push will be successful. But, I will "give it the ol' college try."

That being said, for my American readers, I wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving this weekend.

P.S. for those who haven't heard, the fourth book in the Gary Celdom Case Journals series launched on the 20th. Entitled, "Kawartha Christmas Caper," it details a crime wave in Ontario's cottage country during the festive season. If you haven't already, pick up your copy today.