Bombarded by words

First things first, I’m behind on my NaNoWriMo novel. This feels icky, I must say, and I hope to rectify the issue as soon as possible. I have some vacation time coming up (for just such an occasion) so I’ll be writing an awful lot. Until then, I have to sneak in bits and pieces around family, friends, work, and (though I may hate to admit it) NCIS reruns. I can’t help it, that show is addictive.

However, all is not lost. I’m still working on the novel, just more slowly than I’d hoped and planned. That all sounds great, right? I’m a bit behind, but there’s plenty of time to catch up… I’m not even at the halfway point… time enough for all.

Um no.

I also have a December 10 submission deadline on an essay of 1500-7000 words – the ideas are there, but the words are still only in my head. Alas. I’ll get it written, hopefully on time.

Oh yeah, and I have a December 1 submission deadline (yup, the day after NaNoWriMo ends) for a short story contest. And they’re pretty serious about the ‘short’ in short story – only 1500 words (including the title) or they toss it. At least short may take less time to write…. right?

I keep hearing that when it rains, it pours… and I now have a whole new understanding of that phrase. It’s raining words and letters at me from all directions. For the most part, it’s a soft tingly feeling that reminds me that the words are everywhere. They fall in gentle heaps around me, and cushion my steps – just enough that I never feel alone.

But occasionally I get hit by a capital X, and those things hurt. They’re like shurikens.