Nanowrimo Update

I hit 8K words last night, which is only a few K behind what I'm supposed to be at right now. I'm surprised at my own ability--I decided to go with the "Sub Fail Files" pseudo-memoir about my two years as a substitute teacher.

I was worried that I wouldn't have anything to write about, but I'm finding that it's not too difficult to stretch my subbing stories into 1500 words each. So I just need about 30 or so stories and I'll make it to 50 K! I know I have at least that many...I subbed in over 50 schools in a two and a half year period. I'm not worrying too hard about getting all my facts and details perfectly. I figure the more I skew the actuals of where I was and who I saw, the better the privacy of the schools and kids will be protected. I changed the names in every case just to be safe.

It helps that I allow myself to comment and reflect on the stories as well. I'm a very opinionated person, and I saw some of the best and worst of the public school system in my city. A lot of it isn't politically correct (I'm writing about my experiences in Special Education right now, which is almost impossible to be politically correct about!) but this nano I'm not worried about making something viable. I have enough on my plate editing my Farion novel and gestating my son. I'm also doing some freelance work.

I was also surprised how easily the details come back to me. One memory reminds me of another, which leads to another and another. I've told these stories to my family and friends often enough that they are still somewhat comforting to put them on the page. I love making new friends because they are a whole new audience to tell stories to, so if I treat my nano like a new friend, I think I can get through it.

So despite a rough start, the prognosis for finishing 50K is good. I just have to stay on top of my daily word count and I'll have nothing to worry about!