It is currently Sunday, November 6, 2011, 10:50 pm. I have written a total of 9542 words. That puts me nearly 500 words behind schedule. When I’m done writing this column I should stay awake and write until I’ve caught up. But I’m not. I’m gonna go to bed.
You heard me right.
I’ve been sick for about two weeks, and a trip to the doctor’s informed me that I have bronchitis. In spite of this, I had to work this weekend. I still managed to write, but I didn’t get my 1667 words per day in. The truth is I need my sleep in order to get healthy again, and I intend to get it. What I’m not going to do is worry about my word count, because I have a plan to get caught up that won’t tax my health or my sanity. Instead of freaking out about the 500 words, I’m going to break it down. I can easily add an extra hundred words per day to the next five days and be caught up by the end of the week. Doesn’t 1767 words for five days sound better than 2167 in one day? I thought so, too.
If you fall behind during NaNoWriMo, for whatever reason, I suggest you follow this plan. 1) It’s a lot less stressful to make up lost words gradually, and 2) you’re more apt to keep plugging away if you’re not feeling overwhelmed. If you feel like you’ll never catch up then you never will, because chances are that you’ll give up.
And if you, too, get sick during November, remember to take good care of yourself. It’s okay to get behind. Rest up! Heal! But also keep a notebook and pen handy for sudden bouts of inspiration. Don’t underestimate the affects of medication on the creative mind. I wrote some of my best stuff for my first novel while tripping on Cherry Nyquil. Maybe you will, too.
