NaNoWriMo

I've tried National Novel Writing Month challenges before, but this is the first year I successfully finished the draft of a book in one month. Even taking off for Thanksgiving (I'm the family cook) didn't deter me. Have any of you writers written a book via the NaNoWriMo challenge? Some famous fiction began life as a NaNoWriMo draft, including WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, a favorite read. 

Now it's December and time to decorate and send cards. And time to take a short break from writing!

NaNoWriMo

Why you won't hear from me this month.

It's October!

October is a special month for me. It holds good and sad memories (both my parents died in October). My husband and I moved into our first house in October, and Halloween--my favorite holiday because it brings out my inner child--is in October. Many years we held costume parties at Halloween. Oh, what fun.

Our first Halloween party.

 

For many, depending on where you live, October marks autumn, with colorful leaf changing and fall festivals, pumpkins and colorful gourds, and football games. I live in Florida, where it's still summer weather, but we do have some fall color. And football is celebrated everywhere and on every level, from high school to professional teams.

My alma mater--UL Cardinals

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, too. While I've always supported the pink movement, I took a more personal interest when I battled the disease in 2010. Now I'm celebrating three and a half years as a breast cancer survivor.

I urge you to celebrate October. Host or attend a tailgate party. Support the local school's fall festival. Donate to one of the breast cancer research causes and wear pink. Schedule your mammogram if you haven't done so. Dress up in a fun costume for Halloween. Bake chocolate cupcakes with orange frosting--or orange cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Happy autumn!

Now I must get back to writing my latest Drake Springs romance, Return to Drake Springs.