Although four days ago I want at all sure it was possible, I just validated this years novel at 50,631 words and got all the fun NaNoWriMo winners goodies: Congratulations video, a purple bar, and badges, banners and a certificate!
But the best reward is, of course, having done it. When it got boring, I wrote. When it got scary, I wrote. I even wrote in my sleep and found a subplot. (turned out to be a red herring, but actually a necessary one!) When it got hard, I wrote more.
At 60 years old, overweight with a bum knee, I can’t run a marathon, but for the 4th out of 5 years I CAN WRITE ONE.
This year’s story is a continuation of last year’s Only the Rust Remembers, a dystopian post climate disaster adventure story about three unlikely companions. The civilized world has contracted into what is now Ontario, and has rebooted the heavy industry around the Great Lakes.
In Book 1, it’s 2173 and in Gary, IN a blast furnace explodes, catapulting 2 of our 3 heroes on an unexpected journey. In Book 2, the three of them set sail on a steam tug boat across Lake Erie. But one of them is in the brig! Will they escape the Security Forces that are hunting them? Will they find Tayya’s grandfather who holds the secrets to the past? WIl Hal ever speak to either of them again?
You will have to read it find out!
I learned during this NaNo is that there is a Book 3 to this story. Tayya will need to return to the rising revolution she left behind in Salt City. Garez and Hal may not be so eager to go back. So stay tuned, the epic will continue.
And, I have made a commitment to the path…. of EDITING! The beauty of NaNo is that it’s a big crazy push to wrote a Rough Draft, ROUGH being the operative word. It is not suitable for anyone to read. Before I have a First Draft I need to essentially rewrite each one of these chapters, polishing and clearing up problems with grammar, plot, and continuity as I go.
The good news is that three chapters of Book 1 are already revised. And now that I’ve invested so more into these characters I’m committed to seeing them through to the end.
Thank you to all my Writing Buddies*** this year, for all your encouragement! I am so proud to have so many successful NaNos in my local writers group!!! We will have lots to celebrate on December 7th.
***
Cheryl Holloway and other members of AWWG
Art, Spirit, Nature 
Absolutely CONGRATULATIONS! xxx Joan
Congratulations! I want to read the book, of course, but I also want to see the Congratulations videos, purple bar, and badges, banners and certificate!
Your fan always
Marguerite
banners and badges are above. I’m adding the certificate too!
Bemedaled, bewondered and bespoke!
A journey splendid as strong is an oak.
I salute you, and cheer, and too wait in line, Dear
Patrise, you e’er our faith in your writer’s quill stoke!
Sounds like a fantastic story, Patrise!! Get on with the editing, so we can read the book!!! Hope your knee is not giving you too much trouble!