I miss the camaraderie of NaNoWriMo, but I’m lucky to live in a community with many dedicated writers who get together year-round to support and encourage one another. And we do focus a little extra in November, still. It’s a habit, now, and a good one! So we’re doing an informal, flexible Novel November, and I’m testing that flexibility by working on short stories, instead.
Specifically, I’m editing a new collection of older short stories. Many have previously been published, some have never been seen before. I recently finished another A5 notebook of stories and had the immense satisfaction of starting a new one. I really enjoyed that topic of discussion on recent episodes of The Pen Addict podcast. Is it more satisfying to finish a notebook, a bottle of ink, or a pen cartridge? What’s more exciting to start new? For me, it’s definitely notebooks. It means I’ve been productive. And, even more excitingly, it’s time to assemble a new manuscript for submission, and eventually, a new book release.
All of that is delightful. But here’s my problem. That work is digital work. On a screen and keyboard. Ugh! I usually view November as some quality time with my pens and paper, and I’m going to miss that this year. Normally, this is the post where I’d show you what pen, notebook, and ink I’ll be using for a new piece of writing! I have nothing to show right now. And my next project after this one is also typing up a manuscript I’ve already hand-written.
I do have a short story to write before February, though, so there will be some inky time. And I have a lovely pile of stationery to review over the next few months. I’m far from deprived! But I’ve stepped out of my traditional routine.
Are any of you writing this month? Please tell me what you’re using and what you’re working on!
