After thinking about it for weeks and some encouragement from my friend and blogger, Tranquil Dreams who has done it at least twice, I finally found the courage to sign up for NaNoWriMo.

I prepared an outline to help me get through the story. It’s just a bullet list of scenes and character descriptions. According to the Nano people, this means I’m a “planner”. Whether I’m writing a short story or a novel, I usually don’t start writing until I know the beginning, the main character’s goals, his relationship with other characters, the black moment and the ending.

Writing an average of 1,600 words a day is daunting, but the NaNo web site provides a lot of support though forums, e-mail and writing buddies. If I get writer’s block, there’s a “Get Inspired” page with a link to resources and pep talks from well-known authors.

There’s two more days to go. I’m getting excited about it and can’t wait to start. If you’re still thinking about it, sign up anyway. The way I see it, even if I don’t make it to 50,000 words, I’ll have part of the first draft of my next book.

Good luck to everyone who signed up!