It does seem like I am always mentioning NaNoWriMo, doesn’t it? There are two reasons for that. First, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) now comes around three times per year. Sort of. There’s always the official month in November, but they now offer Camp NaNoWriMo, which can be attended in either (or both) April and July. Second, NaNoWriMo–to my husband’s chagrin (I sort of turn into a writing zombie)–has become an integral part of my writing process. Whether I “win” (hit my goal), or not.

And this time, it’s kismet.

As you no doubt noticed, I launched my second novel two days ago. I was at the computer being a promoter and marketer and sales person for more than twelve hours without a single break. Yesterday, I took the day off, meaning that I chaperoned for my daughter’s field trip. (It ended up being an awesome day, because my husband got called out of work and we went to the symphony, the best Chinese restaurant in North Carolina, and took a nap in the woods.) Today is April Fools Day, which used to mean taping the handle on the sink sprayer and hiding toothbrushes. Now, every year, it means my nephew’s birthday and the first day of Camp NaNoWriMo.

See how perfect the timing is?

Launch a book on Monday. Relax on Tuesday. Start intense writing on Wednesday. The circle of the author’s life.

Of course, there will be many more events and do-dads coming up this month and next as I continue to promote the new novel (go HERE to check out The Night of One Hundred Thieves or HERE to see the list of scheduled events), but it is also time to put as many words on the page as is humanly possible for the next book. Which is… The Journey of Clement Fancywater.

Fancywater is over half-written, thanks to last year’s Camp NaNoWriMo. Which means by the end of April, I should have a full first draft of the next novel on my hands. Pretty sweet deal. But a lot of work.

If you would like a writing challenge or some writing accountability for April or July, go HERE to sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo.

For my previous blogs on NaNoWriMo, check out this impressive list:

First Year, The Night of One Hundred Thieves written (failed, won after extension):

• NaNoWriMo
• Livin’ La Vida NaNoWriMo
• A NaNoWriMo Update
• A NaNoWriMo Extension
• What I Learned From a Sprained Spine

First Camp, first half of The Journey of Clement Fancywater written (won):

• Goin’ Campin’
• Good-bye Camp NaNoWriMo

Second Year (failed):

• NaNoWriMo Strikes Again
• I Quit