Today is December 1, 2011, which means, TIME IS UP! Previously, I mentioned my decision to participate in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) event. The goal was to write a 50,000 word novel in the genre of my choice. I had several ideas prepared in my phone’s memo, but I ended up creating a new one. I was extremely excited to take on the task.

The title of the novel is Unexpected Sidekick. I created a brief summary which I posted on my NaNoWriMo website profile.

Summary:

Tim Brantley, a spoiled city kid, believes his life is over when he is forced to move with his family to the small town of Deming, New Mexico. Tim is filled with excitement when he discovers a map leading to an old sidekick phone, but to his dismay, the device no longer works. Just when it appears as if he is about to experience the longest summer of his life, Tim meets Chris Demps, a neighbor who quickly becomes his best friend. The boys have the entire summer to explore the wilderness surrounding the state parks near the Florida Mountains. Chris decides to scare Tim by creating an urban legend concerning an abandoned house located at the edge of town. The ruse works perfectly, but the boys are intrigued when Good Old Mr. Meyer tells them about an old Aztec village near the forest. Tim and Chris will unearth more than they expected!   

Clearly, I decided to name the characters after Florida Gators players. Here is what happened during my month long challenge:

Initially, I thought I would be done around day eighteen or so, due to my love of writing. The first day didn’t go as planned; I wrote a little over 1300 words. The second day was even worse; I barely cracked 1200 words. The third day started a horrible trend; I failed to write a single word. (Things were not looking good!)

I planned to take a few days off and then make up the word count with a 10,000 word writing frenzy during my flight to Los Angeles; that didn’t happen. I read during the entire trip and failed to write. I didn’t write a word during my time in Los Angeles, but there was a return flight; I knew I would make up for my lack of discipline. (I accomplished a great deal in the first third of the month, but the novel writing goal didn’t seem possible; I was too busy!)

The new goal was simple; return to Boston and write like I did during my first novel. I didn’t have a choice. FIVE THOUSAND WORDS A NIGHT! (It had to be done!)

I know you must be thinking that I failed to meet the challenge, and you are one hundred percent correct. I didn’t write another word. (Epic Failure!)

My final tally: a pitiful 2534 words.

The NaNoWriMo website contains some great tools, which will help to illustrate how poorly I performed. According to the Site Stats feature, I was a lost snail who wandered onto an Olympic track during the 1000-yard dash, with Hussein Bolt in the starters block; I didn’t stand a chance. The exact quote reads, “At This Rate You Will Finish On June 17, 2013!” (Not bad for a first timer!)

Better yet, my “Words Per Day To Finish On Time,” is 47,466. I thought about making an attempt, tonight, but I clearly have little faith! (Pun intended!) I elaborate about my lack of belief in some of the highlighted posts in the Must Reads Tab, at the top of the page.

Although I failed, I did manage to post a blog entry every day. Next year, will be different; I will return with more determination. Hopefully, I’ll be settled into my new life on the West Coast! I know I gave away the idea for my yet-to-be-written novel, but I trust that people will adhere to the honor system and not steal my creation. (If you find yourself unable to control your kleptomania, the least you can do is thank me!)

I bow before you, O Mighty Lord of NaNoWriMo!

@PeteTeix617