Fiction Friday: NaNoWriMo Week 1

I’m participating in NaNoWriMo for the first time this year. I also happen to be in the middle of publishing my second book. You’ll find more details in the intro post, but today, I’m here to bring you the update on my week. 🙂 

I knew when I agreed to participate in NaNoWriMo, that I would have to keep my eyes set on smaller goals. I also knew it would be a struggle to try to write more while also having to dedicate large amounts of time to raising a family and that small matter of publishing a novel. 😉
Well, as it turns out, all my knowing didn’t save me from the stress and wrongful thinking that I stumbled into at the first of the week. I’d love to tell you that I had it straight from the get-go, but it’s not true. Thank God for second chances!! And also for sending along words of wisdom.

These were the two text messages I received early in the week that made such a big impact that I had to write them down and post them on my desk!
“But don’t get stressed out or your work won’t mean anything. Your writing is meant to be for the glory of the Lord and your pleasure. So don’t let this overcome you; allow God to help you overcome it.” – Aunt Mary
“Just focus on what God wants you to accomplish and keep your eyes focused on Him! He will direct your paths!” – Darla Damron

After encouraging words like that, I was able to put my focus where it needed to be. Instead of pushing for word count, I focused on making some progress and tried to keep up with my publishing to-do list.

I ended up writing 8,199 words so far for week 1. I still have today’s totals to add in, but I’ll add them into week 2’s tallies.

Now for a publishing update. I have formatted the kindle edition and sent it out to the last round of readers. Their job is to read and help me spot lingering mistakes. Things are going well on that end so far and I couldn’t be happier.
Now for paperback. Paperback formatting is a more troublesome creature by nature. I wish it wasn’t so, but it is. Lol I’m still struggling to piece this one together. Hopefully, I’ll have better news to share here next week on that end. For now, PLEASE pray for me.

This week kicked off week 1 of the launch for In the Shadow of Thy Wings!! This is such an exciting time as my team set out to share various links and memes. Here’s what they’re sharing this week. Please, feel free to snag and share! 🙂

A look at week 2:
Since I seem to average 1500-2000 words a day, I want to keep this as a writing goal. I won’t meet the 50,000 goal for NaNoWriMo with these numbers, but I will make great progress and keep my sanity. 😉
In the publishing world, I want to focus more of my time in advertising. I have 2 blogs to write for the release week, I need to update my website, and pull together more activities for the launch team. And unless I’m successful today, I’ll still be ironing out that paperback format.