Wednesday, November 11, 2009

I'm running for the train....

but I'm behind as usual. Story of my life at the moment. I'm so far behind on most things it's scary. I'm still doing everything but there's so much and not enough time....
What makes me keep going even when it looks like I won't make that train? Could be a number of things but for me it's everything, the destination and the journey have equal appeal. Neither of which I want to let go of even if the train is on of those ones where people hang out the sides and sit on the roof.
That's probably why on day 11 of Nano and at 5,283 words I'm still optimistic I'll make the 50,000. Maybe I'm kidding myself and maybe I'm not but no matter what my word count is at the end of November I'll have more words than I did at the start. I'm determined to get those words because I want the story. I want to see what happens to my characters on this journey we're taking together.
I have a goal and I'm aiming for it. It might be unrealistic at the moment with all that's going on but I'm not backing away from it because that would be giving up. It would also be easy for me to say screw it. I've got so much going on in my life most would say NOT doing it was a good idea but what they don't see is that NaNo is mine! Mine, I tell you! Back away and let me have it. In a way spending the month of November writing 50,000 words is selfish but it's no more selfish than getting that new shirt or book, or going to see the latest movie or... the list is endless.
But the difference between my selfishness and most others is the struggle to get my goal. It's damn hard work, it's frustrating, it's annoying, it's depressing and then it's fun, it's exciting, it's satisfying. It's one great big emotional roller coaster and I love every minute of it.
So when the family complains I'm chained to my chair or they get the bolt cutters to pull me free for one of the many IMPORTANT things I have to do for them I'm not going to rant and rave about no ME time. (Well not much anyway. *grin*) I won't complain because that's life, it's part of the thrill that makes this journey the ride it is. And even though we might not make the whole trip we can be proud of the effort we put in to try. What's that saying?..... Oh yeah.

YOU GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

What are you waiting for? Get in the race people! You never know who you'll meet on the way or what you'll get at the end of it.

RC

3 comments:

Sandie Hudson said...

Well I for one don't think it's selfish. You're aloud to want things, just because they are different to the normal JoeBlow doesn't make them less important. Of course I know where you're coming from so that helps. LOL.

You keep chasing your train RC, because if anyone is going to catch it will be YOU!! I have the faith in you.

Sandie

Anna Hackett said...

Thanks for the great post, RC. I was starting to think I was getting too far behind and I should throw in the towel...you've inspired me to still try for 50K!

Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storyteller said...

Toot! Toot! I love a train journey analogy. My favourite optimism chant is the Little Caboose - you know - "I think I can. I think I can..."
Speaking of optimism - nice quote Sandie - "The act of writing is an act of optimism. You would not take the trouble to
do it if you felt it didn't matter." Edward Albee