So in the midst of working on posts chronicling book review/symphony trip/Dragonfest 2019/fall book haul…I am faced with a dilemma.

It’s almost time for National November Novel Writing Month. The madness where a passel of questionably sane writers gather together, bonded by the singular desire to complete one novel in 30 days.

And a question.

Should I do it?

Last year was my first go. Something in my brain said “Hey! You’re busier than you’ve ever been in your life (quite literally), why not add one more thing?”

I did it. And I sort of loved it. 50,000 words, several weekends of staying up until 2:00 in the morning, and a lot of Thomas Bergersen’s “Into Darkness” on loop later, I had the better part of a novel. To call it complete would disgrace my inner editor. To call it a waste would be a lie.

I think it was April that I started getting emails again to write a little each day. I can’t remember if it was during NaNo or then that loved ones began expressing concerns that I was fostering something of an addiction.

Well, they’re not wrong. And I did express symptoms–incoherent speech, deep distraction, withdrawal from social interactions, suddenly heightened emotional state. Also wasn’t getting much rest, which wasn’t helping my case. I have never earned the “looking-after-your-health” badge on the NaNo site. In case you couldn’t tell. Sometimes I just look at it and laugh. Sure, sure, people do that. Right? Two of you? Three of you?

So most people that know me well are softly counseling me to step back. Rest. Rejuvenate.

They’re not wrong. It’d be nice to relax. Take some time off work stuff. Read. Sleep. Let my gaming kin know I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. Blog more often. Not feel over-stressed about upcoming gigs/final exams and the like.

It’s a solid argument.

So why am I still wavering?

Because I miss writing. A lot. And I have a project in mind.

So if there are any WriMos out there who can help shove me over the edge into doing this or back into the field of sanity, talk to me. Tell me if Tales from the Legendarium should be done next month, or if it should wait a while. I don’t usually ask for advice…but I could use some words of wisdom.

And to all of you forging ahead without looking back, may your files auto-save, may your computer battery never die, may your inspiration be endless and your stamina last you until December 1st, 12:01 A.M. May you write the best thing to flow from your mind to date, utterly free of cliche. May you succeed and survive.

Stock up on your caffeine. Especially the dark chocolate. You’re going to need it.