Commitment

On Saturday, I heard author Laura Whitcomb speak at a Willamette Writers meeting. I found her perseverance and openness inspirational, and she just seems like an enthusiastic and interesting person, in general. I find that it encouraging to be around others who are excited.

I’ve decided to participate in the National Novel Writing Month. It’s intimidating to commit to writing 50,000 words in the month of November, especially not knowing my schedule, but I’m also inspired by the challenge. Novels offer a different and more in-depth exploration and enjoyment of language and character, and I’ve missed that. I also like the idea of bringing something to completion on my own.

I plan to work on a literary fiction novel tentatively titled “The Unintended Mongrel.” In it, a 33-year-old single woman finally meets the man she believes is her true love, but when he is killed, it causes her to question her understanding of love and faith. I intend it to be an exploration of big questions like “Is there such a thing as true love?” and “Is there someone for everyone and, if so, why are people alone?” I hope can I write up to the expectations of my vision. I’ve been working on scene cards and pondering the who of my main character and the whys of her world.