Writing Challenge

Once again I am participating in JeRoWriMo, the New Jersey Romance Writers answer to NaNoWriMo. NaNoWriMo is held every year in November. I've never attempted it because Thanksgiving is in November, which always includes a big family dinner. In addition, with Christmas looming ahead and all the hoopla that holiday involves I know I would be doomed to fail if I set a plan in motion to focus on writing. There are too many distractions in November!

But February's big holiday is Valentine's Day, which need not involve much preparation. February is usually cold and sometimes snowy, the type of weather I consider perfect for writing. I’ve finished several books with the help of JeRoWriMo.. The goal is 30,000 words. I never know if I will make it that far. One year I didn’t. Still, I managed to write more words than I would have without the other members of NJRW cheering me on.

Nancy Herkness started NJRW's writing challenge years ago. It has helped so many writers to accomplish more than they every thought they could. The challenge is open to those who are members of NJRW.

I am looking forward to finishing my current WIP!

❤❤❤❤❤

I Finished the JeRoWriMo Challenge

Last night, I soared over the finish line, typing past the 30,000 word mark in my current work-in-progress.  I didn't get to the end of the story--and I still haven't decided upon the title for this book, but logging in 30,000 words during the month of February was a daunting task.

Nevertheless, I had fun. This is the third time I've tried the challenge. I finished PATRIOT'S HEART and PATRIOT'S PRIDE with the challenges in 2013 and 2014. Nancy Herkness is the head cheerleader and truly encourages everyone in our group.

The idea with a challenge like this is to silence the inner editor--that annoying part of the brain that wants to quibble over syntax. My book is a rough draft--and I know it. It will need to be revised, but it's hard to fix an empty page of paper.

Many people avail themselves of NaNoWriMo challenge in November--a 50,000 word challenge. I've never tried it because November is a busy month with Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations.  I find February fits in better with my schedule. Not only that, but since I am a member of the New Jersey Romance Writers, I know all the other members in the group.

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but with a challenge like JeRoWriMo it doesn't feel that way.

With a Little Help From JeRoWriMo

I finished the JeRoWriMo Challenge last night, typing across the finish line with 30,000 words.

The book is not complete. I have another major, climatic scene to write. However, the progress I made this month was considerable and I know it wouldn't have happened without a little help from my friends at the New Jersey Romance Writers, and especially from Nancy Herkness who hosted the event. Whether an author wrote 160 words or 3,000 words in one day, she cheered them on and offered encouragement. Nancy was also writing her own book at the time, so my kudos go to her for all her efforts.

I could not have taken on this writing challenge without help from my family. They understood the importance of it. So I thank my nearest and dearest for cutting me a bit of slack this month.  The gourmet meals will soon be returning to our table. :-)

For those who haven't tried a writing challenge, I recommend it. I have never tried the NaNoWriMo challenge and I probably never will. To finish in that one, a writer must log in 50,000 words in the month of November--a month which includes Thanksgiving and holiday preparation for Christmas. I knew that would be impossible for me, but 30,000 words in the month of February is more realistic.

Now I must get back to the manuscript and write that final scene. Then I will have to go all the way back to the beginning and start the editing process. Watch for Patriot's Pride to be released in a year or so. :-)

Meanwhile, read Patriot's Heart, which is available now. Patriot's Pride will be the sequel to that story.