As always, I’d like to begin this week’s progress report by thanking all of you awesome people who’ve followed, liked and/or commented on my blog!

Here are this week’s stats:

Last NaNo Prep Task Completed: …

Next Prep Task on the List: Finish Up Characters & Setting, then brush up on Plot & Outline

Days til NaNoWriMo: 13

Thoughts?

Alright, I didn’t wrap up characterization and setting this week. I’d make excuses, but the truth is, with that stomach bug at the beginning of the month and my motivation being at a low, getting in gear to prep for NaNoWriMo has been a challenge.

That said, I finished one research book over the weekend and plan to read the manifesto this coming weekend, along with wrapping up the podcast, all of which will help me characterize the villain in this new story. If I’d had a clearer image in my head of who he was and what I’d use to build him, I’d have started all of this research at the beginning of the month. Alas, listening to the podcast led me to the manifesto, and then one particular detail led me to a rather heavy read that  I only finished by reading 100 pages a day this past weekend (and thank goodness the day job let me have a three-day weekend).

After I complete the necessary reading and podcast listening, I should be able to complete the character study for my new villain. I finished the other character study I needed yesterday, much to my excitement. I believe I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ve been nervous about writing fresh since the move. But I began this other character study on Wednesday and when I turned on the ‘tap’, it flowed out as I hope my writing does, which is very encouraging.

Goals for the Coming Week

Finish the podcast and read the manifesto that will then allow me to complete the villain’s character study. I then want to begin reading through my plot/outline and make sure it’s in my head – and any necessary tweaks are made – before November 1st. The plot/outline goal isn’t due until the end of the month, but if I can wrap it up sooner, that’s awesome.

Note To Self

It’s okay to slip behind, as long as we’re still on track. Let the way the words flowed on Wednesday and yesterday reassure and motivate you as we get closer to NaNo. We’ve got this!