I am pleased to say that my “no-ing” has paid off. To the tune of 56,799 words.

This NaNoWriMo was one of the easiest so far for me to complete. In part because once I got into telling my story, I found there was much story to tell, but also because this year I was a co-ML for the Rockford Region. ML stands for Municipal Liaison (or, you know, Mary Lamphere, lol). We’re the folks that help organize the write-ins and hope to motivate the local participants. Bob, my co-ML, and I were lucky enough to have a very strong group of dedicated WriMos for our first year as liaisons. (Thank you!) By helping them, we helped ourselves. By helping them, they helped us. One of the strongest benefits of participating is the terrific support you receive as a writer. Before, during, and after. Our TGIO party is Saturday, December 5th at 5 pm at Gerry’s Pizza in Rockford. And what a party it will be!

My newest novel-in-progress is called One of Many Mothers. It’s the closest I’ve come to true women’s fiction. It’s about a young woman grappling with her options for an unplanned pregnancy who also finds out she was adopted. Through some great characters and a little woo-woo (time travel) she gets advice from a series of women in similar situations, one of whom is her biological mother. It may be “chick lit” (and I’m okay with that label), but I’m hoping the story and characters are interesting and funny and lifelike enough to draw in all readers of good fiction.

Even after 56,799 words, there is much work to do. Deeper character development and a ton of research to really capture the two timelines. Have I mentioned I’m 56,799 words into this book? Seriously, that is SO COOL.

The best part? Besides the 56,799 word count? I’m not burned out. I’m still excited about Frankie and her story. I look forward to organizing my scenes in a logical order and participating in the unfolding of more of her adventure.

If I can get 56,799 words written in a busy month like November, December distractions don’t stand a chance.

Post Script: Happy 29th birthday today to my wonderful, awesome, and inspiring daughter, Nicole. I am proud to be your mother and proud of the mother you are.