Starting My New Book [The NaNoWriMo Diaries 2021 - Day 1]

[@HeartBreathings]

I did it!! I was scared I wouldn't be able to get this started today, but it's finally hereeeeee! The NaNoWriMo Diaries begins now, and I sincerely hope you enjoy these daily vlogs and that, more than anything, they help you to know you are not alone! We are in this together!!! (My daily vlogs will be one day behind, so Day 2 will go up tomorrow.)

[@SusanGHaws]

Love the clean-up video magic. If only I could make it work for me. Working my Preptober workbook. I really think you are doing an awesome job working on an adventure.

[@karri-z2f]

I’ve not gotten any words yet. 😞 trying to get my family ready for me to be gone for the 20books conference and get my house ready to list for sale when I return. It’s a lot!!! But I’ll get it all done including my words. Gotta be positive.

[@kristyl6201]

Awesome word count for day 1 of NaNo. I've got to sit down and plot my book. Where it's my first book I'm trying to decide if I want 5 characters or if I want 2 or 3. Decisions, Decisions. I've been going back through your videos on plotting to see if that helps me decide on what I should do. Thank you for sharing Sarra ❤

[@SusanGHaws]

@@screenwritingtricksforauth3799 Something you might consider is that Sarra Cannon is joyfully endorsing your products. Free advertising to all of her followers. As a businesswoman, that is good return on investment. The writing books I have purchased, the writing advisors I follow were recommended by authors I know and respect. I recently attended a respected writer's conference where an author used her newly published book as an example of SAVE THE CAT WRITES A NOVEL structure. I already own that book because some other author recommended it but the class helped me quite a bit and I appreciate that book more because of the class. I have to say I have made purchases based on recommendations of Sarra Cannon and she told less about your book than I heard at that class about the other book. I suspect most people that attended that class that didn't already own two copies like I do rushed to buy the book. Like in college when a professor teaches from a text the students buy the text. Just something to think about.

[@tegantypes3356]

I love your NaNoWriMo Diaries and I admire you so much for committing to not only your writing but your daily vlogs too especially with the lifestyle changes that you and your family are experiencing during this season. I'm so inspired by you and thanks to your videos and vlogs I plucked up the courage myself this year to enter NaNoWriMo for the first time and so far I'm loving it! Wishing you a strong, productive and wonderful NaNo this year :D

[@gwenjks-1272]

Yeah! Nano vlogs! I’m a late-night writer too. Working 8-5. And I made a deal with my daughter. She cooks dinner and I do the dishes. I broke my word count down with a goal of 1000 words Monday through Thursday and higher goals Friday thru Saturday. I keep going if I’m on a roll hoping I won’t go off the rails if I hit a snag.

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh, that's a great idea with your daughter!

[@kimgray28]

Day 1 went smoothly. I was able to push out 3073 words in four twenty-five minute sprints. Then everything went boom. My computer crashed on Day 2 and as I was going to have it repaired my car battery died! What a day!!! Hope I can get back on track. Thanks for all your encouragement, it's much needed!!!

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh my gosh, that's crazy!!! I'm so sorry you had all those obstacles, but you can definitely get back on track! Keep me updated.

[@dreamplanwrite]

I'd like to let you know that when I saw this video pop up in my subscriptions, I side-eyed and side-smiled and said a full "awww yeeeeah" before clicking 🤣

[@HeartBreathings]

😅😝

[@ashleyemma4954]

Hahaha yeah

[@ashleyemma4954]

Hahaha yeah

[@reneebarrette4514]

omg Misty! lol

[@dreamplanwrite]

@@reneebarrette4514 Hi friend!! Imagine meeting you here lol! 😁😁😁

[@medusa3592]

I've discovered that math is my best friend during NaNoWriMo too...you're a real trooper, Sarra!

[@nikkihyson1431]

Oh my goodness what a year since last NaNo. So glad you kept the intro music. Makes me so happy! Ready to start a new series this November while you start the last book of yours. Circle of Life. Hugs, Sarra. So many hugs.

[@retrococonut6437]

We moved to Florida two years ago. Best decision ever! Safe travels !

[@cousinjack2841]

I had never heard of NaNoWriMo before your video popped up in my suggested today. Seeing you cope with a hectic period in your life and still get on with your latest project has given me the kick up the backside that I needed. 4000 words in the bank today. Thanks.

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow!! That's amazing!

[@cheyennedealy809]

Hi Sarra! I have not been here very long but I have watched just about every single one of your videos. Over the last two days I have been watching last years NaNo diaries. It made me cry. I love that you shared the complete journey with us. I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. I was so glad when I saw this new video pop up. I couldn't wait to watch it. You are such and inspiration to me. I have currently hit my word count goal of 1700 the last two days and I hope to continue that through the month of November. Looking forward to the rest of your videos. Have a great NaNo!

[@neopagan1976]

Happy NaNoWriMo, Sara. I really hope you NaNoWriMo has gotten off to a great start. I wish you all the luck in the world. I'm working on the fifth novel of my TimeScape series. 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@AngelaDrakeA]

3 words - You Are Amazing! People with less going on in their lives make up more excuses and here you are Making It Work! You Go Girl!

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

I still believe that even if you don't win nano you are a winner because you wrote like crazy for a month and for me every word is a win😘 Big hugs

[@kimstegner]

To think I started following you for Happy Planner inspiration years ago and now I've watched your children grow and you've convinced me to write the novel that's been in my head forever. Thank you for the encouragement, Sarra!

[@pollyolsen5835]

Some of my kids have participated in NaNoWriMo. I'm impressed you can do this with a family and while being on the road!

[@Napynthe]

I wait all year for your NaNoWriMo vlogs. I’m so excited!

[@HeartBreathings]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cherryseven7926]

I look forward to hearing or seeing how you use Plottr, because I love you novel planning/writing advice

[@hollycortelyou1575]

So happy to have the Nanos Diaries back...love the music and the montages. Go Sarra and all u Nano-ers!

[@RhiannonFutchAuthor]

It is still in beta, but plottr is amazing. I love the many options for color coding and plot lines and just everything. Happy Nano!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for clarifying! I am loving it so far!

[@RhiannonFutchAuthor]

@@HeartBreathings Any time! I actually signed up for the beta and, I love it so much. They are working out those kinks and making it even better.

[@johnherreracpa]

Hang in there girl! You’re doing the right thing with your family. I had to do a similar thing with my family when I was young. I’m 58 years old and I am glad I did what I thought was best for my family, even though friends and family called me crazy. You’ll land somewhere great when you’re ready to make the move to that neat place. You and your family do you! 🤗 Thanks for keeping up with your videos. 🤗

[@sade8376]

Cheering you on! I also got a little less words than I wanted on Day 1 and they were also for draft zero,....but that's still progress!

[@authoravapage]

We did this traveling until we found the right place for us. It took us four months, but we found our home in Carlsbad, CA. Good luck to you! I enjoy doing Nano with you.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for sharing that!! It gives me hope!

[@RPBSpeaks]

So excited about NaNoWriMo 2021!!! This is the FIRST time I've ever truly prepared and feel confident that I can succeed. All thanks to your Preptober worksheets and videos. THANK YOU for providing such useful materials to us budding authors. I am currently at my desk writing on Day 2 & I took a break to check for your new video :) hahahaha I'm looking forward to your daily vlogs & hope to join any sprints you have. I know you'll meet your goal!! Happy Writing :)

[@HeartBreathings]

YESS!!!! This makes my day for sure. Keep me updated on how it's going!

[@debrahorst8154]

Gurl, you are a beast! I admire your focus and resolve as well as your writing. Good luck to you and all the NaNoWriMo writers this year!

[@bahora3]

If there was one thing I was looking more forward to than NanoWrimo itself it's your daily vlogs! :) They're so inspirational and never fail to motivate me to write, even when I'm super tired. I'll forever be grateful to have found your channel last year and thanks to your last year's Nano vlogs, I was able to complete my first NanoWrimo. Thank you for showing up for us, Sarra! 💜You're the best! 😍

[@HeartBreathings]

I love this! Thank you!

[@awkwardlyamy1228]

Girl, you are da bomb. It's inspiring watching you reach your goals while living in "chaos" or different from what your used to. ❤️

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! That means the world to me!

[@sevillalost]

Yay! Way to push through! Super proud of you. Thanks for being such a kickass example!

[@susanring7634]

I so understand Sara! Being a mom is non stop stuff baby! Let alone all the moving you're doing. So proud of you for getting words, yes! Write on...

[@KristyBryson]

Yay! It is good, inspiring to see you work in such chaos. I followed so many Preptober models and advice, but then felt like November 1st was a giant wall that smacked me down. It took me till late Monday to also get my words in, and then I credit writing sprints with finally pushing through the wall. I’m using this first week to try your sprint challenge and ultimately break everything into manageable pieces.

[@hawkivory]

Yesterday I had got my writing in at a doctor's office. It's scribbled in a notebook. I don't know how many words but it's most of a scene and I feel like I got the work in. Small little victories. You got this! Go booty-kicker, Sarra! I hope your family enjoyed Dinsey time!

[@LesandaMooreAuthor]

Thanks for another great video, Sarra. I was happy that Lisa did an extra sprint for us on Monday so I could get my words done.

[@e.r.reading]

SO exciting! I can't believe it's NaNo already! I can't wait to continue watching you NaNo diaries this year♥

[@tracy238]

You have made me realise that I actually need to get stuff done. I knew this deep down but kept making excuses about why I wasn't getting things done. I'm great at the planning what to do when part but actually doing that stuff is a completely different matter.

[@valeriebuchanan6675]

While writing towards my day 1 word count goal, I found myself thinking about you and how the heck you were going to write with all the things you’ve got going on. Obviously you’ve had a great impact on my writing life! Your Preptober videos and workbook have been the most useful tool as I’m 6,489 words towards book 2 in my series.! I’m looking forward more nano diaries.

[@mizzelle71]

Yay! So great to have the Nanowrimo Diaries back. I really credited it with helping me last year. I am working on a rewrite of a previous Nano. So far so good, although tonight was bit rough.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@ashleyemma4954]

I've been writing books for over ten years and for some reason this is my first time doing Nano!!! I'm excited. Also love your vlogs.

[@lauragem796]

Congrats on your word count! Especially given your current situation. I really hope you bought both of those purple shirts you tried on. Purple is a lovely color on you.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! And I did! I also got a light purple sweater. Had to trade out a few things from my suitcase to make room, but I think they will be good cool weather clothes!

[@lottejacobs8579]

Thank you for honestly charing! I rewatched last years nanowrimo diaries multiple times. Very inspiring!

[@rinkeymittal568]

Happy Nano!!!

[@hollystevenson7470]

This makes me feel so much better. It's my first nanowrimo and my first rough draft and I was so happy. Plotted the whole thing on time in October only to get the flu on the 31st have to cancel Halloween and been dragging along. And I've only written two pages. But everyday I've still sat down to write. So fingers crossed I'll be able to pick up speed quickly.

[@HeartBreathings]

I hope you are feeling better!

[@creativekfaye]

You are inspirational and the cleaning montage was magical. Wishing you all the love and encouragement this month.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you, back at you!

[@TraycL]

Happy NANOWRIMO! 🙂 🖊 💻 I also started day 1 late at 11 pm but today on day 2, I more than caught up. I feel more organized this year thanks to your Preptober workbook! Thank you for offering it to us. It has really helped to plan out my meals for the month and also to mark off non writing days and figure out my specific daily word count. Hoping you Rock NANOWRIMO this year in spite of all the moves and travel. Cheers! 🥂

[@nicoleroker3865]

No worries, Darling. I wasn’t even able to write on day 1. No matter how hard I tried, which included waking up at the ass-crack of Dawn to throw Chilli in the slow cooker. Even shutting myself off from everyone didn’t help since apparently signs that literally say "LEAVE ME ALONE! WRITING!" seemed to act as a beacon for my family to have a problem I just had to solve OR conversation that just has to be had right then. SMH I'm really hoping to get some solid words written this week. As of yesterday I only have 1500 words, and that was sprinting between 6 and 7 am, before everyone else started moving. I tried plotting during Preptober, but for whatever reason I was somewhat stuck. So the intent is to Dirty draft my Heavy-duty Cutie behind off going forward. Wish me luck! And MANY WELL WISHES on your continuing adventures. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@tammay7254]

Congrats on getting your words in on Day 1!!! You're so right that it's really important to get off to a good start and set a positive tone for the rest of the month. The struggle is real, though. Day 1 went good for me (doing revisions/rewrites so going by scenes more than word count - 3-4 scenes a day for my goal), as I got 5 scenes done. Then Day 2 my monthly migraine hit and I got only 1 scene done before I had to crash in bed for the rest of the day :-(. BUT I'm almost caught up today, so it's all good! Sometimes life just happens (plus, thanks to HB90, I factored in those migraine days this month so I'm ready for them). We can do this!!! Tam

[@jackienicholson2990]

Good for you, getting those words in. I keep my promises to everyone. My promise to me this year: "I may not win wrimo but I will write everyday in November."

[@curiouslykaylee]

Needed some writing inspo, so here I am! ❤️ Your videos are always so helpful and such a blessing for the writing community!

[@sunshinejulie5687]

I'm like you. Something came up, and I was so bummed I didn't get to write on day 1 at all! But I'm pulling out of the nose dive on day 2! over 2000 words! (which is a lot for me.)

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow, you're doing great!!

[@sunshinejulie5687]

@@HeartBreathings Thanks so much!

[@ghostyplans]

My draft is already crappy, but I’m keeping it up. Your meal plan idea SAVED me. I’ve made all the dinners I could, and on Saturday, I’m making the rest. Having dinners ready is SO nice! Even writing down the lunches and plan them our is sooooo helpful. I love it. That was an amazing idea that I wouldn’t have used if you hadn’t walked me through it. Thank you. ❤️

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay! Glad to hear this!!

[@samanthaspenser457]

Sabra, thank you so much for all your help and encouragement!! I just found your channel a few days ago and I wasn't planning to do Nanos because I "wasn't ready". Your videos are so inspiring and the free resources are just what I needed to feel like I can do this! So, I quickly printed out the plotting and Preptober guides, and here I am, doing Nano and feeling so positive about my writing. Thank you!! 😊

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay!! You can do it!

[@keilanluke]

Very exciting!! Happy November, I'm starting my first novel - a few thousand words in, and I'm loving the process!! Wishing everyone SO much luck, this community seems very supportive and I'm happy to join it :)

[@authorlioragreene7590]

Wow! I love the idea of traveling around to decide where you want to live! I think it would stress me out to do that while doing NaNo, but then as a teacher, NaNo is always at an inconvenient time of the year for me. I had a massive 13k sprint on Day 1, so I'm way ahead--didn't intend to write that much, but I got in the groove and didn't want to stop.

[@kimberlybutler2914]

Loved seeing this pop up today.Nano always gives me great energy. All of the writing and connecting. It's going to be a great season! Happy writing.

[@StephanieWhitson]

I’m a night writer because we are a traveling family and I can’t focus with kids awake. I’m o my at 1200 words and about to get started for day two of writing.

[@rachelpastors]

Good luck on your project!!

[@bunbacheso]

I'm so proud of you! Your day 1 word count is excellent. I started really late in the day on Monday, too. I started writing at about 11:20 pm or something, and I ended up with 1,017 words. My goal for day 1 was 1,000, so I was relieved to reach it. Also, I'm doing something like you where I count brainstorming/planning words toward my NaNo goal. Thank you for being real in your vlogs. This one inspired me a lot because it seems like the day didn't quite go as you expected, and you still conquered it.

[@HeartBreathings]

Glad to know I'm not the only one counting the brainstorming words! The way I see it, it's still part of the process and still useful, even if they won't make it into the final draft!

[@paulavivian421]

I'm not doing NaNo this year, but I'm excited to follow you along as you write book 12!! I actually missed the intro music from your nano vlogs hahaha ❤️

[@michellec2365]

I’m excited for you that you got more than your word count for the day! You’ve got this. Just don’t burn yourself out! I’m not a writer, but I like watching these videos and cheering you (and everyone else) on! Good luck!

[@katrina5683]

Im watching this on day 4 and I haven’t had a chance to start yet ive been so busy. I was so organized until 10/31 and then it just got wild.

[@raekaye7678]

What an adventure you and your family are on! So happy for you that you got your words in for the day - definitely motivated me to get mine done, too. At the moment I'm zero-drafting (outlining) and I'm so counting those words, too! :)

[@SaraLea]

Those planners are stuffed full!

[@HeartBreathings]

Haha, YES they are! LOL. It's crazy!

[@Thecozyneurodivergent]

So excited for your nano dairies! This is the first year I've participated in Nano, although I registered for many before 🤣. With watching your plotting videos I actually feel prepared. So far, so good. Good luck to you.

[@MarisaMcCall]

You are so adorable! I agree with the "needing a clean space" :)

[@ajqwrites]

I am currently working on revising my novellas since I have been going in and out. Idk how you did it but I admire how psyched you are to nail Nanowrimo this year!

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

Happy NaNoWriMo to you too!

[@bella619]

You are just an amazing woman! Ah-mazing!!

[@SDHegyes]

Woo! You were doing so many things, I was wondering if you'd get any words in, but you did. Congratulations and happy NaNoWriMo!

[@laurielong8277]

Proud of you. Get some sleep 😴

[@lakeshagadson357]

i havent heard from you in awhile its been like forever since i did your work. i have been on other websites doing other things having to do with writing reading book.

[@terralynsanden5952]

Hey Sarah, I am a writer too and am kind of in a similar situation that you are in; but I would like to suggest to also look around the Brooksville area in Florida, it is a very beautiful area especially near fort Dade road and it is not too far from any major shopping areas, check it out while you are still here in Florida, I think you may love it. I am truly thinking of settling down here as well.

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh thank you so much for the suggestion! I will definitely look into it!

[@PinkHawk191]

Working on a writing project for my writing class with my day program for adults with Autism. No work done today due to my chronic pain and fatigue due to one of my chronic illnesses. I will try to get some work done tomorrow depending on how I am feeling. Hoping for a better day tomorrow.

[@CM_Marquez008]

You are amazing! Love The NaNoWriMo Diaries! How do you like Plottr?

[@HeartBreathings]

I'm loving it so far! I like how simple yet detailed you it is. I think the more I use it, the more I will like it. I want to show you more of it, but there will be too many spoilers on mine for this book, so I'm thinking of also setting up a different project on here.

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

Yay! I get to go through NaNo with you again! It’s much more difficult this year as I’m also getting ready to publish my first book on Nov 12, but I can do it with your help! 😀 And if you can do it amidst all your travels, I can too!

[@HeartBreathings]

yes you can do it!!! So excited for your book! Send me a link when it's live!

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

I sure will!! You’ve played a big part in this for me. It’s not perfect, but I’m going for it knowing I’ve done a good job. 🥰

[@gospelpopmusic]

Much continued success with your writing! Still working on completing my 6 episodes. A sci fi thriller. The screenplays 130 pages each. The novelizations 840 pages each. A big dream. It is what I long for to achieve. I am self publishing my work through Harrison Cinema Books. I've got an editor/proofreader I've hired since 2006. No way I am proofreading and editing myself although I've got my own style of Artwork I love and designed myself. Fellow Artist you are my inspiration. Oh "PrintNinja" I am choosing to manufacture my books & scripts!

[@HeartBreathings]

You're doing so great! Keep me updated Raymond!

[@gospelpopmusic]

@@HeartBreathings I sure will writing Mentor! It is stated that (Artists) should hang around those who are achieving... You are doing and achieving what I want to achieve. So I am hanging around you so I can learn and remain inspired. At the end ("it is never the end") with tears of Joy I will be able to say... "Thank you Heart Breathings" and thanks to a loving God who granted me this awesome "intellectual" power to write!

[@jennifermarea8011]

It’s my last semester of classes in college and it’s almost finals time and I have sooooo much work to do. I thought I was going to do NaNoWriMo but I still haven’t even started yet so I probably won’t… Unless maybe I end up doing a lot on the weekends or Thanksgiving break.

[@HeartBreathings]

Finals are so hard!! Congrats on your last semester!

[@brookpetersonauthor]

Sarra! Is 2009 the year the first book was published?

[@HeartBreathings]

October 29, 2010!

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh just realized the 2009 and the word count, haha. I'm slow tonight. I should have written ONE more word to get the 2010 LOL

[@joellalukehart3978]

got mine done by 3pm on day one, my goal is 2500 words per day and I got my reward from my jar.

[@HeartBreathings]

Awesome job!

[@mlbullbooks]

2009 words? That's my graduation year. Lol...just joking.

[@HeartBreathings]

😅 A good year!

[@mgtogno]

i miss the old song T.T

[@HeartBreathings]

😍 it will be back. This is the diaries song!

[@rinkeymittal568]

It is November 3 and I am still on 1000 words due to diwali

[@HeartBreathings]

Happy Diwali to you! You've got time!

[@rinkeymittal568]

@@HeartBreathings do you know about Diwali BTW I just love your videos and being 11 years old I am very happy that I chose to be a writer.

[@InuyashaNaruto8]

This is the first year im not participating since i started writing

[@vanessaivlisar1778]

First!

[@HeartBreathings]

😍

[@danieldelatorre9564]

@@HeartBreathings Oh my goodness the baby's gotten so big. Haha, does she cry during diaper changes?

[@nova9837]

As of now, all I wrote was 3k words.

[@HeartBreathings]

That's great!

[@lisamoralesphotomedia]

Yikes. All of this falls on you?

[@HeartBreathings]

The packing? It's a group effort! My husband just hates to be on camera!

[@MayBhank]

Most of my words from yesterday were just me brainstorming scenes/outlining as well and I felt a bit discouraged. Hearing you were on the same boat really encourage me to keep going.