Today’s question was whether I usually finish my nanowrimo quota or  not. And the answer is… it depends. I’m not always ready for a new project at the exact moment the clock strikes midnight on November first. This year, I think I’m about as prepared as I ever am. I have an idea that’s been percolating for a few months, and a few characters I’m crazy about. This time, I expect to have 50,000 words by the end of the month.

Sometimes, though, Nanowrimo hits at the wrong moment in my creative cycle, and my attention is split between the last project I was working on and the brand new one. I didn’t finish my project last year. Not in November, and not later on. In fact, I’m not even sure I remember what it was.

And I think that’s okay. I don’t necessarily think of NaNo as being the whole process. It’s a part of it, maybe, and some years, it’s the part I need at that moment. Other years, I’m into revision or querying, or I’m still writing something else, and the new thing doesn’t take.

Even if I don’t get a new novel out of it, Nano’s a great way to meet people, and get to know other writers. And the support system can’t be beat.