Sooo... it's been awhile since the May: You Write Your Novel Challenge finished (mid-July), and I'd just love to be announcing right now that I made it to the 80,000 word mark.
But I didn't. Oops.
Now, I'd also like to be making some lovely excuses here.
But I can't. Dang!
See, I wrote a previous post about not accepting excuses, but learning how to manage and work through them. So I guess the ones about us moving house, having a houseful of sick kids for two weeks, and all that other stuff really won't wash.
Anyway, I have managed to notch up 50,000 words, so I guess that's not doing too badly as a base for this next novel.
My next goal is to get it finished by Christmas (another approx 30 - 40,000 words) - but without 'burning the candle at both ends', getting through most days on caffeine, and being a less-than-patient wife and mum. Will see how it goes...
It's been a good lesson in reassessing my goals, and not pinning all my hopes/ambitions on achieving a set thing. I've discovered that sometimes (actually, MOST times), things in life don't exactly work out to our blueprint plan.
This is where the ability to be flexible really comes in handy. If we're too rigid, like glass, we're likely to shatter when force is applied. But if we're able to adjust to life's circumstances - including moving out the goal posts, if necessary - we'll be able to bounce back. Just like rubber.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you stay 'flexible' in your day-to-day life. Share them on my Facebook page.
P.S. I just found out today that 'Blue Freedom' has been short-listed for the CALEB Prize awards for 2011. It's nice to know that other people (than just me) like it. :)