Chasing Waterfalls
Author: Demetria Foster Gray
You know how stunning, majestic, and exciting waterfalls can be? How you’re lured in by their charm and beauty, only to forget how the torrents of water slap you in the face, thrust you against hidden rocks below, and threaten to drown you?
Yeah, that.
Well, that’s me. I’ve been slapped in the face and thrust to and fro by this darn National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and I feel like I’m drowning, so I’m out! O. U. T!
There’s only twelve days left—TWELVE—(can you believe how fast November flies), and I haven’t even reached the halfway mark towards 50,000 words. Yes, I’ve made great strides and I’m pretty impressed by how many chapters I’ve already accomplished, but my brain is frazzled.
I was chasing waterfalls. Lured in by the thrill and excitement of NaNoWriMo while choosing to overlook the hidden, rocky challenges below.
Challenge #1: I can’t take the pressure. WTH was I thinking?
Challenge #2: I’ve hit a brick wall and my brain has shut down. I can’t figure out what to do next in the storyline, let alone write about it.
Challenge #3: I’m unable to write with reckless abandon without going back to over-think and over-edit everything I wrote, which slows me down.
Challenge #4: I’m tired of being shackled and bound to my computer. I feel like Kunta Kinte′ and Chicken George—I need to break free.
Therefore, instead of trying to reach the 50,000 word deadline in the twelve remaining days of November (and typing my fingers raw), I’m going to unlock the shackles and run at my own pace—a more comfortable pace—which means I won’t reach the goal on time, but I’ll still have run the race. (It’s great training for when I re-enter next year.)
But I must give a shout out to all you well-wishers who’ve cheered me on and lifted me up in support during this writer-thon madness. My words to you are, “Thank You.” And particular thanks to the three S’s—Starla, Sharon & Susan. You guys are all that.
Now I close with song lyrics from the 90s R&B/Pop group TLC: “Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to. I know that you’re gonna have it your way or nothing at all, but I think you’re moving too fast.”
Tags: Marathon, NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, R&B Group TLC, TLC, waterfalls, Writer-thon
6 Responses to “Chasing Waterfalls”
Catch me on LinkedIn
-
Books Currently Reading
Books I've Read
-
Blog Awards
Favorite Blog Award
Very Inspiring Blogger Award
Blog Anniversary
November 19th, 2011 at 9:09 am
Well, you have done your best. And your Best is good enough. No matter what I will always support you. I am sure what you have written is a great read. Again, I say feel free to use my life as inspiration anytime. LOL!
November 19th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Thank you, Sharon. As I said in the post—you are all that. You’ve uplifted and supported me since Day One. Rock on, true friend.
November 20th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
When I was an art major, I learned it was just as important to know when to STOP working on a painting as it was to START. It’s a hard lesson to learn, and us determined types (could this be you too???)are going to make it happen come hell or high water! LOL Participating in NaNoWriMo sounds adrenaline pumping but I cannot imagine for anyone who has a life filled with children, work, etc… being able to sail thru that much in a month. I can see how the pressure would start to overshadow the excitement. But as you say, it is great training for next year- if you decide to do it again, and it never hurts to practice and train before any big race!
November 20th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Susan, you hit the nail on the head. It was an adrenaline rush, but then the pressure overshadowed the excitement. However, I am learning alot about myself during this process and I haven’t stopped working on it, I’m just not doing it at rapid speed. And yes it’s true, I’m one of those determined types, too. So most likely I’ll re-enter again next year.
November 22nd, 2011 at 12:05 am
That’s alright D, I admire you for the attempt alone. Kudos on what you’ve done thus far. The beauty is, you know what to expect next year, and you’ll be one more year wiser.
B.G., you rock!!
November 22nd, 2011 at 10:18 am
Starla, thank you for the kudos. You’re an awesome brand of support. Like a good pair of Spanx!!! However, I have no idea what a “B.G.” is, but I’m guessing it’s all good.