Total Word Count So Far: 25 001

Snack Of Choice: Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce – it’s summer in Oz

Drink of Choice: Iced anything – it’s bloody hot

Album of Choice: Heart Of Saturday Night – Tom Waits

Major Distraction: Heat and imaginary beckoning of ocean waves

State Of Mind: Questionable

So last week was tough.

Everyone I talked to agreed.

Tough. Tough. Tough.

With the exception of a certain Brittany Landgrebe – aka @lights_aurora – whose word count last time I checked was 28K (am sure it’s multiplying as we speak), and of whom I am becoming increasingly convinced is from another planet, most fellow NaNo nutters seemed to struggle.

But take heart. According to my NaNo mentor, this is normal.

Yes, I have a NaNo mentor in case you haven’t been reading the comments. His name is Simon and he rocks.

Seeing as I decided to sign up at the last minute without any idea what I would write, thought it might be a good idea to check out the forums and in doing so, found one for Mentors. Not sure how it came to be but after monotony of scrolling through pages, stopped at Simon, liked his post and wrote him.

He replied: “Seeing as how you’re going to be winging it – I’m in.” I knew then we would get along just fine. And I was right.

No nudges, just encouragement. He reads my posts and leaves cool comments. And here’s some handy info and advice he’s given me for Week 3.

Simon Says: (And me in Italics)

• After the pressure of Week 2, once you’re past or almost past that halfway mark, Week 3 is way easier. So hang in there!

• It doesn’t have to be a great story, just focus on getting the words down. Need to be excited about story so have been re-writing despite fact that it slows me down, but am trying not to be too fussy!

• There are little cheats that can help you catch up or boost your word count (in case you didn’t know them already). If you write “is not” instead of “isn’t”, “do not” instead of “don’t”, it helps.

I HAD NOT thought of that. Duh…

As Week 3 begins, I am pumped. Took my mandatory day off, did fuck-all. And once again am ready to go.

But before I do, would like to give a warm Shout Out to Simon, as well as all my dear NaNo supporters and fellow nutters. Promise to post list of every one of you special people once I reach Finish Line and have more time.

Am certain I WOULD NOT still be here without you.