Done.

I was thinking at the beginning of the month how easy the writing was going. I think I averaged about 1000 words an hour in past years, but I was writing way faster than that, like almost twice as fast at the beginning of the month. And then I hit the doldrums.

Also, I was thinking just about every day about how this novel I'm writing is complete shit. It lacks interesting characters and has no discernible plot. The entire thing is entirely derivative.

But it's done. At least that shit is out of my brain.

breakthrough

For the first time just now, I actually thought that this month's novel might be good. My main character is going off about the things he hates, and it's fun to write.

Ahead of pace. Writing every day. Got to hedge for future missed days.

The best piece of advice, I think, besides writing every single day, is to park on a downhill. I don't remember where I got this advice, so I can't credit it because I certainly didn't make it up myself, but the idea is that instead of writing everything you can possibly think of and then walk away for 24 hours, you stop when you know what you're going to write next. Then, when you come back, you can warm up with something easy and get momentum.

to be expected

I currently am 5000 words in. I hate the novel so far and wouldn't wish it on anyone.

back again

November. I'm writing what I know again. On pace, but struggling. Writing is hard. So far, I've introduced my main character, a teenage boy, and had him alienate the reader. Sounds like a bestseller Oprah pick to me.