And that’s that. Farewell, NaNoWriMo 2012.

Even though I honestly had no intention of doing NaNoWriMo, as of this evening it appears I have “won” said writing frenzy. I have brought Joss Raddick from a little tadpole of a man to a Kraken. He is currently on an island, about to enter a Synod with a few other godlings, and he has a big wedge of iron lodged in his skull. He went on a rampage as a Kraken, he met another crazy Kraken, he sired a poet, and he was swindled more than once. He also made some friends. And more than anything, I’ve had such pleasure writing this. Joss has always been one of my favorite characters ever (I remember wondering at one point before writing Pilgrim if I’d gone that whole book just to create him). Maybe it’s where I am right now, I don’t know. But this hasn’t felt like work, really. It’s been entertaining, exciting, and very, very much needed. It’s been joyous, every step of the way.

As far as writing a whole novel, no. I’d say I’m solidly in the middle of the book–there’s much more to happen, including the move to Kentucky… but in the mean time I’m going to celebrate with the above pictured adult beverage. Apropos to say the least.

Celebrations aside, this last  month has been really, really hard. And, not for the first or last time in my life, I am beyond grateful for the escape writing gives me. Just this morning we learned that my husband has to look for a new job. In short, today sucked.  And tonight, when I looked at the 3K ahead of me, I wasn’t sure I could muster it. I wanted to wait. I have time, after all. And let’s face it, I’m a pretty gimpy writer. I usually force myself away after about 2K, for fear of regretting it later. What’s 50K other than a number? Let’s just say, when push came to shove I realized just how much I needed a little sense of accomplishment today.

So yes! Congratulations to all of you who put pen to paper and brought worlds into existence that weren’t here before November. Because really, that’s what it’s about, isn’t it?