February's Plans

So, I have been seriously considering doing a mini-NaNoWriMo in February. 30,000 words in 28 days. I'm in desperate need of finishing this darn novel and I can't seem to do it without the pressure of a deadline. I start writing, and thoughts race through my head. "Oh, this sucks." "You really are an awful writer, you know that?" "Could this be any more boring?" The last thought, of course, comes out sounding like Chandler Bing. It's all flat, dull prose that makes me want to throw my computer out the window (which, obviously, I would never do -- I spent too much money on the thing!).

I think I need the pressure. The motivation. I need to be pushed. And if I have a deadline, no matter that it's self-imposed, I believe it will help me finish this darn story.

First things first, I have to finish my outline. I had just enough written to get me through NaNo, and now I'm floundering. I have a hard time writing if I don't know where I'm going next. I don't know what it is, I guess I crave the predictability. I need to get my poor MC past her fifth month of pregnancy, past the awkward feelings for her brother's best friend, past the stress of keeping so many secrets, and onto a less dramatic, less stress-filled life. She may be a fictional character, but I feel bad for putting her through so much!

Sadly, I don't know if I can be ready by February. It's already the 30th. I'd have to finish my outline in one day. Which, I guess, is entirely feasible since I don't have to work tomorrow and I have an hour and a half to kill after work before I can even head home. As long as I put my nose to the grindstone -- by the way, I have never understood that saying -- I should be able to finish it up. And then I can continue working on the novel itself.

So...30k in 28 days. 1071 words a day. I can do it! Onward, ho!

In other news, I got my taxes done yesterday. I'm getting a pretty decent amount back. In my head, I'm planning out what needs to be done with the money. Pay Dana back for Christmas (she always buys all the gifts and we split the cost...minus whatever we spent on each other, of course), pay off the bill that's been stressing me out all year, get the new puppy it's shots and get it spayed/neutered (haven't decided if we're getting a boy or girl yet, but we're definitely getting one!) And, Dana wants to go halfsies on a Wii and accessories. I'm sure that won't leave me with much, but whatever's left will sit in my saving's account as a safety net. Which, with my unstable hours, is a necessity.

I'm really looking forward to getting back on the writing wagon. Wish me luck!