Monday, December 1, 2008

National Novel Writing Month is Over

I finished the goal of writing 50,000 words for National Novel Writing Month and now the real work begins! Actually, writing 50,000 words in 30 days WAS real work--especially that last two days--it was Thanksgiving weekend after all, and there were many more things I wanted to do....BUT I made myself finish it on Saturday because even though I'd been under this deadline for a month, all of a sudden it felt unbearable...just HAD to get it done and off my shoulders. Once that 50,000 was verified and I was declared a "winner", I could breath again. Funny, eh?

This story has always felt like something I was "meant" to do. But it's not your ordinary Amish book. I pray it's honest, and human, and kind, and hope-filled all at the same time. It's a story that's based on ex-Amish experiences, and some of those experiences are not so happy, but if I wrote an all happy Amish book, it wouldn't reflect real life. None of us are immune from life's mistakes, pains, fears, sins, troubles, and injustices. Neither are the Amish, but I hope this story, which is unique to a group of Amish from my part of the world, can bring some insight into the secret and often misunderstood practices of the most strict Amish sects. That's why I wrote it--to be honest and to reflect the real hearts of real people--with their foibles and human failings and courage.

There's more work to do, and the novel isn't finished, but I'm glad I challenged myself to start it and get more than half of the book written. It was a challenge I honestly didn't think I could meet, but I did and I'm happy!

Will I do NaNoWriMo again next year? Who knows, but I'm hoping I'll be too busy editing and preparing this book for publication by then...you never know what the Lord has in mind when you let Him decide your future!


5 comments:

Tracy said...

Dee, Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment! For me, now the hard work begins. I pray your book will have much success in getting published. It really does sound wonderful! Blessings!

Laury said...

I am so very proud of you Dee! You made it! Yay! Very, very proud! I can't wait to read the ending product, but yes, you are right - there is so much left to do. Cheering you on always!

Patty Wysong said...

HOORAY!! So incredibly proud of you girls! What an accomplishment! I really think you were meant to write this book, too--it's been so cool to hear how pieces have 'fallen' together--it's a God-thing!
Huggles!

Joanne Sher said...

So excellent, Dee! I am SO glad you followed God's call, and are continuing to do so. I am very anxious to see your progress, and, of course, to get my autographed copy! Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah!

LauraLee Shaw said...

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!!!

Wow, I don't know how you did it, but you did. With the Lord picking up your pen so many times. I CANNOT wait to see this incredible work, and I'm so thankful you obeyed the Lord to write it!