The Final Stretch ✨☕NANOWRIMO DIARIES UPDATE

[@HeartBreathings]

We've almost made it!! Just a few days left!! Are you still working toward your goal?

[@luisaah5707]

Yes I am still working on my revision. My Deadline is 13th December for my betareades 😁. I feel it's not ready, but I need external input at this point.

[@kirageorge]

Took me 11 years after joining NaNo to finally finish. I am no longer intimidated. I actually finished with 53,000 words on 11/25/23. After seeing that, I feel like I can do this more often.

[@HeartBreathings]

Amazing!!! Congratulations!!!

[@Lizaunmasking]

I'm pausing NaNo and picking it up again in January. Got sick with the evil sickness again and my brain is just done with my story. I'm 26k in, and I have learned a lot about my process and how much NaNo just does not vibe with my brain at all. Next year I'll know to skip November NaNo all together and give myself a break. I've been beating myself up for not being able to win NaNo for nearly 19 years, and after finding HB90 and making it work for me, I'm glad I don't have to do that anymore. Thank you Sarra ❤

[@shannonm.744]

I work full-time (healthcare provider), with 3 young kids. I am ALWAYS tired! 😂 But, I have 8000 more words to reach 50k. Sleep sounds so much more appealing than writing at this point, but I’m planning to persevere with the aid of some caffeine. My reward for December is to READ (and sleep)! I have a December TBR list I’m excited about. I also just ordered some dot journals and will be planning for the future as well. Can’t wait to read all of your WIPs! ❤

[@TaylorDelo]

I won NaNo yesterday! I love the analogy of building the houses piece by piece and the long term vision. This is something I'm working toward in 2024.

[@Avionne_Parris]

I adjusted my goal mid-Nano from one 50k word project to two 26k and 24k projects. Currently I'm at 24k/26k and 16k/24k and I haven't written for the past two days. But I will write today, tomorrow, and the 30th to see if I can finish what I started! But even if I don't, I can still celebrate the drafts written for my YA fantasy and short story collection. "Progress, not perfection." That's my writing mantra that I try to abide by. And it has helped me get words on the page. Thanks so much for all your Nano Diaries, Sarra! Not just this year but all the past Nano Diaries years. The one where you wrote at a hotel, the one where you had the romance writer's conference, the one where you had a Hearties meetup. You don't just succeed on your own, you carry us along and I appreciate that so much :)

[@ScarlettKol]

#1 Futuristics unite! This is the absolute BEST and worst time of year for that strength. Good luck with all your plans.

[@HeartBreathings]

So true!! I'm dying to do that future dreaming but there's just too much to do today, haha.

[@ScarlettKol]

@@HeartBreathings Exactly!!

[@cl_shaner]

I finished my 50k on Sunday night. I started Nano2023 with 51K already written, so the Nano challenge of 50K allowed me to finish my first draft! My reward for winning Nano2023 was to attend the HB90 course! So timing was perfect for me. Thanks again for all your motivation each day Sarra!

[@YvonneA60]

I stopped writing on the 21st having written 27000 words. I felt that what I was writing was not taking my story in the right direction and I was merely trying to the the number count. Stopped to redo my outline and make the story work. I count 27K words as a win as I haven't written so much in 18 months. Glad simply to have ideas again!! I am not under pressure as writing is just a hobby for me, but I did miss the process. And I missed having the ideas!! So this is overall a win for me. Will carry on at my own pace as work and life allows.

[@LeahWriter]

I have no hope of finishing nano I'm only at 27000 but this will be the first year that I've written 30 days in a row- ever. My 2023 goal was to finish my first draft which needs to be 70-90000 so I still have the pressure for another month but I love it.

[@reneeg9507]

I finished this NaNo despite taking a day off every week. It's got me thinking that I need to build in that buffer time post NaNo. I've really enjoyed writing this month and didn't resent a day I wrote, enjoying when the words flowed and being calm when they were stuck. I collected my reward and just kept going since the story is not finished yet. I'm also thinking about goals for next year and I really want to not put so much pressure on myself. My writing is supposed to be fun, not another box to check off during the day. But I'm also not a professional under deadlines, which makes me wonder why I do this to myself! 😅 Good luck to everyone working towards their goals!

[@charmedvenuss]

I only participated in nano this year to connect with my local writing community, the 2k words i got in a comfort story that will never see the light of day are so important to me and im so proud of myself!

[@michellem7225]

Loved this video. It really resonated with me. I did not accomplish what I had “planned” this year, but I did accomplish a lot. I have written this whole year. Some months more than others but there was never a time I didn’t write. I finished a book that I had started 5 years ago and had given up on. I have improved my writing. I’ve studied the craft…enough to know how much work that finally finished book needs to actually be publishable. I’ve started the second draft of it. It is a great reminder to look back and see the things you have accomplished instead of only focusing on what you didn’t.

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh my gosh, that had to feel so good to finish that book!! Great job!!!

[@EvaWright]

I'm only 1,000 words away from finishing but is has been grueling for me. A neighbor's pit bull roaming at large destroyed our fence and attacked our 18yr old dog. He struggled to make it for two weeks but died a couple of days ago. I'm exhausted from caring for him day and night since Oct 23rd. I'm thankful to be almost done so I can move on to something else. I'm so excited for Christmas and to think of family and friends and happy things again. Good luck everyone!

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh no, I'm so sorry you lost your dog. That's so sad. Thinking of you.

[@KinseyTaylor3]

You got this, Sarra! That’s only a handful of sprints and you’ll hit it.🎉 I won Nano yesterday. I fell asleep on Sunday night and forgot to log in, so technically I won on Sunday. LOL I was happy dancing around the house. Me and my daughter did hydrating masks to celebrate(I finished early). I wrote more days than I planned for. Woohoo! Gave myself cool incentives to keep me motivated. Dolly funko pop, new book, my favorite Southern pecan coffee, from this little place in Gatlinburg, TN. I splurged. LOL Now the pressures are off and ideas are popping like a bag of popcorn in the microwave. LOL😂🤣😂 Have to finish this story first and then, I’ll figure out which is next. I love the mind of endless ideas. Thank you so much for all the Nano dairies, all your support, and encouragement. You are the best!🩷🌸🩷

[@tonyaroche7733]

You always brighten my day when I get to see a new video from you. Thank you. ❤ November has been a tough month. A lot of family things have come up. I got to 25k words for NaNo and stalled. I even lost my excitement for my story. I’m not going to beat myself up over the 50k. I do plan to take a step back and figure out how to get excited again. I do question if I’m really meant to keep writing. Just because I “want” to write stories doesn’t mean I’m actually “able” to. Something I want to honestly explore and figure out in 2024. (I feel sad just thinking about giving up. 🙂)

[@psychedianic]

Writing is like farming. There are fallow times. In 2020 I didn't write a single line - fiction, poetry, diary, nothing. I wondered if my writing days were over. They were not. Do what you can when you can. I'm rooting for you, hoping you are able to recapture your joy of writing. 😊

[@tonyaroche7733]

@@psychedianic such wonderful encouragement. Thank you so much for taking the time to cheer me on. (I’m a bit awkward finding the right words of gratitude.) Thank you.

[@elizalagonia1049]

I finished MY NaNo goal of finishing my July Camp project. I have to fix on scene because I wasn't in the head space to write it, but it's done. I then looked at my yearly goals, evaluate, and set a priority. And I decided to do one of my last few goals of doing character sheets and outlining a serialized(oddly enough) paranormal detective series. I redeemed the Butter Docs giveaway in NaNo and am documenting the process.

[@dawndalton952]

It gives my non-writer friends heart attacks when I show them all of the unfinished books sitting on my computer. So many projects waiting for me to get back to them. I "finished" NaNo over the weekend, but the book is nowhere near finished.

[@freedomthroughspirit]

Next year I think I'll do NaNoWriMo from Oct 15 to Nov 15 so I can focus on the holidays sooner and can use more of my October time without distractions for me. Doing this over Thanksgiving took away a few days and pulled me in two different directions. Otherwise I've enjoyed it and will do it again. A great way for me to get a lot of first drafting done quickly. I have about 2600 words left to do today and tomorrow which I will do.

[@HeartBreathings]

That's so smart!

[@Cat-jn2fz]

I have 27,939 left to write. I know I can do it! I have failed every year. I am NOT going to fail this year. Jesus take the wheel! 😅

[@mlchurch34]

OMG! I want to read Silas! Go, Sarra, Go! No matter what you write - You've got this! And the Lego analogy was perfect and made so much sense! I can see where I've started building too much and my pieces have gotten way too mixed. I think I need to sit down and clean up my piles in order to have a more cohesive story (stories). Thank you for this!

[@Miss_Myth]

That discussion at the end was so wonderful, and YES, the metaphor landed! I've always loved to write, but I've never fully finished a story; beginning, middle, and end. Talking about choosing a set, getting the vision, planning small... those were all things I definitely needed to hear! I myself had a lot going on with family, so I knew I wouldn't be able to do NaNo this year, so didn't stress myself with even signing up. However, I am *very* excited for the coming year, and thinking of doing a personal "First Draft February" or some other made-up equivalent to NNWM. 😅 Thank you for the journey this month, looking forward to joining you through the end and into the new season! 😊❤

[@johanna5610]

Totale agree with. There for is the next month, to finish some ideas and can start the New year with a fresh plate.

[@kortneyhinton2962]

I started off so strong - then got sick for a couple weeks right after traveling and it completely threw me off! I decided to pick Nano back up with a modified goal of 25k and I’m on track to completing that goal by the 30th 🎉 I was a little bummed about not being able to hit 50k as planned, but I’ve “won” Nano before, and this year was all about having fun and getting back to the joy of writing. I think I’ve accomplished that this go ‘round so I have actually won!

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

That building a house was a beautiful metaphor. And I will definitely be here in 2024 and am excited to see how your journey continues!

[@msmwriter]

I mentioned in my comment on your Monday video that I had thrown in the towel, but not dwelling on it negatively. It is what it is. And though I have had a hard year, I have had some accomplishments. A major one...converting my son's bedroom into my study/witch room. I love it. So, I have rewarded myself. A new keyboard, the new Judy Garland Christmas CD, and a crystal advent calendar. My new attitude...embracing what I do get done as a win. Of course, I will never stop trying NaNo every year (and the camps too). 😁

[@Jesse.Walkinshaw]

So excited when this popped up I only have like 5 creators that I get notified when they upload and I've been loving every single video ! and I am so excited for Christmas season as well. I normally wait till after my birthday which is in the beginning of the month but idk something about this year im excited and happy we had a big snow fall already and everything's white and pretty and it's just giving me all the vibes ❄☃

[@HeartBreathings]

❤ happy almost birthday!!

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

Yesterday I woke up knowing I was still a day behind and honestly it felt impossible to do over 3k, so I decided to at least reach the 45k but soon figured that meant 2,500 words the next 2 days and if anything happens then it would be more for the last day so I decided to take a break to tackle things at the house (take out trash, do the dishes, do a face-lift to the living room) and I felt so good after accomplishing so much under an hour that I decided to finish an extra scene and at the end, by 11pm😅, I almost cried when I saw I had managed to somehow made a bit over what the Nano page told me I needed to be on track for the day. I told myself I will do my best today, but not stay as late as I would love to "Win" Nano, but I am just so excited to see that while transcribing my story is transforming and growing as I have added over 18k to it already. I think we all have made amazing regardless of our numbers for we have all made progress in our projects. And Silas sounds like my kind of guy 😅😂😂😂 Big hugs

[@StudioLindsay]

Good luck with the rest of NaNo! 🎉 I got halfway through the month with about 25K words but started having severe arm pain from being at my computer more than usual, so I decided it was best to slow down. Still writing, but no longer aiming for 50K in November.

[@HeartBreathings]

Good for you taking care of your health!

[@RitaSlanina]

OMGosh! I was feeling stress in my head and face too. Like I was dizzy from working day after day. I had to take a mental health afternoon with the fam just to realign my energy! So glad I did! A couple days to go, we can do it!

[@lexybaginsky]

1604 words to go. After an amazing start and up to 10k over the daily line it dwindled down to just what was needed and I began to doubt but now I expect to win. And I am so stinkin proud of myself!

[@patriciacorcoran8532]

As usual Sarra you have a way of explaining things so clearly. I love all your content and look forward to future things, starting with tomorrow's vlog. I am a writer wannabe. I journal but have never written a story. I want to write a book or series but in the future. Right now I am building my online teaching business. It is great to dream and have hopes and plans for the future. You explain things in a way I can see how to implement in my life. I am 61 years old and always ready to learn something new. Thank you for being you!

[@tealwolfmoongoddess8753]

I quit Nano but kept up on my goals using just my planner. I won't finish what I wanted by the 30th but I should within first week of December. I had to take a break due to migraines and pain flair ups. So I count it as a win.

[@RebeccaTaylorBooks]

I don't personally do NANO, but I love watching your experiences with it every year. As always, rooting for you Sarra!

[@amykplanstheday6558]

I made it yesterday 50,280. Thanks for all the inspiration during the month. It helped keep me going!

[@HeartBreathings]

Way to go!!!

[@mizzelle71]

I'm at 42k so I still have a definite chance. I just need to knuckle down.

[@psychedianic]

indesign is great! I'm glad you got to take a break. This has been the most chaotic quarter I've ever seen. It doesn't feel like it's going to slack off so it's great HB90 planning is coming up. Hugs!❤

[@KaceyEzellWriterLife]

I won NaNo earlier this month, thanks in large part to the HB writing community and group sprints. Today, we flew home from visiting family and it was a ROUGH flight. Kiddo was sick, couldn't clear her ears, was in a lot of pain during the descent... I'm just SO glad to be home, and watching this video! ;) BUT when we got home, my NaNo reward of some Solovair boots was waiting for me, so that was awesome! I, too, am looking forward to planning out my 2024 and figuring out what projects I'm going to work on, etc. I can't wait for the HB90 bootcamp and I'm very interested in what you're planning (ha!) to do for long term planning. Last year I made a kind of hybrid booklet from HB90, The Dreambook by Dragontree, and your writing plan workbook. This year, I'm looking at using Notion quite a bit more.... okay, so I'll happily accept the award for "most rambling comment" now. :) Thanks as always for the video. Good luck, crush that 6k! You can do it!

[@dancenica054]

Your house is always so beautiful and I really love how real, authentic, and positive you are ♥️♥️♥️ thanks🤗

[@glennamaynard]

Love the coffee chats. I accomplished my nano and rewarded myself with a new tablet and some craft books and some new journaling goodies.

[@somberhoney]

I really like the Lego set metaphor, it makes a lot of sense

[@benjaminharris2132]

I've been enjoying all of the diaries this month, even though health sidetracked my own writing plans. I've commented this before but I appreciate your blend of positive affirmation and forward thinking with a good dose of reality. And I loved the metaphor that went beyond your expectations at the end, about building. Thanks as always.

[@ainathiel]

Thanks for the video. I fell off on my Nanowrimo journey, I thought I would be more upset but I am not. I got great ideas and suggestions from you and other content creators. I am still writing despite the changes I made. Congratulations to everyone who will be winning. Let's keep writing.

[@SageSpelling]

I love the house analogy! My goal for Nano was to write a novella for an anthology i’m participating in and I’m going to use the next couple days to finish the last couple thousand words and edit it.

[@jessiefrances]

i did it!!🎉 last night i finally finished my first novel at 52885 words🥰 this channel is such an inspiration thank you ❤

[@crystalmorrison4463]

I would love to see a video on long-term planning! The “five year plan” type of thing-I know what I want a few yrs down the road but get stumped when trying to really narrow down the logistics to get there. Is there a video in your library already covering this? If so-holy smokes-point me in that direction! 😊 If not-I bet you’d do a great one for that topic! Loving the nano diaries! Yay

[@memphistnliving]

I like your Believe T-shirt

[@cindykline7333]

I have given up winning NaNo, but am still writing. I have the 7th book of my series to finish, hoping to get it out by the end of the year. Sarra, thanks for all you do!

[@DyranHunter]

I have LOTS of drafts AND outlines just hanging out. If I get a new idea, I'll give myself anywhere up to a week to outline it and then I set it aside until I have time to actually write it. At the moment, I think I have full outlines for about 19 books just waiting for me to have time to write them! In addition to those 19 book outlines, I've also got shorts, pieces of flash fiction, novella's, etc. Just not enough hours in the day lol.

[@martin7878]

Good Luck and I wish you the best! I love all your videos and I admire all you do. You are so inspirational. I don’t participate in NaNo but I feel like your videos are helpful for everyday life and personal goals. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. You are a gem!!!

[@desifordictator]

I'm having to change my NaNo goals. I had a bunch of stuff hit this month. I surpassed 25k written, but in between life, getting super sick, and realizing that I wanted to change some major plot threads in my WIP, I am not going to make it. I'm okay with this, because I surpassed 50k words on my manuscript, but I wish I was going to be closer to finishing it like I had hoped at the beginning of the month.

[@yayasis029]

LOL I love your lego metaphor, it makes so much sense!

[@anitagwinn9501]

I hear & understand. Trying to remain focused. Love your discipline. All your planners…my limit is three & it’s rough.

[@CatK907]

i reached 50k today! One thing this nano really showed me is that i am capable of working on my writing more consistently when i actually use some discipline. I still have about 20k left to write until the book is finished, but that is what January is for.

[@lindaholbrook7447]

you inspire me so much! you are so awesome!

[@tashagaines8458]

I’m 1200 from the Nano goal - I’ve never won/finished before and I am so excited! I plan to relax from all the words and focus on my first Kanban board and plans for next year! 😁 I’ve learned so much since I have found you - very thankful for your honesty and all you share and teach us. ❤

[@Charlotteapaige]

Fellow high Futuristic!!

[@HeartBreathings]

🙌🙌

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

Thank you so much! This was really helpful. The last half of this year has not panned out with my goals like I was truly hoping due to unexpected personal things and I do not have any tangible results that I can say 'hey look what I've done!' like I wanted by the end of this year. But I'm hoping 2024 is my year and despite not having the last 6 months or so be what I was hoping I have grown in other ways. Also I want The Exiled series so bad!! I LOVE Sacrifice Me and I super know what "incident" you were referring to and me wants it.

[@ms.bernadetteteacherfortod6519]

I feel like I would CRUSH Nanowrimo if it was in January. I always have that gung-ho, I can do anything after the New Year attitude. In November, I'm just so tired from all of the holiday preparations.

[@shanshangalan8074]

I am at 48,000 right now and going to have to wait until Thursday to do the last 2,000 I am starting final this week

[@talinaadamo]

I won several nano events for the past few years, but this year I fell off the the writing train. Just having health issues and not able to go go go like I used to. Gave myself permission to start Nano 2 weeks late, thanks to a flu bug in my house. Then I stopped at 5k and no plans on winning. It is okay. I will keep writing at the pace needed for my best mental and physical health.

[@PonderingPenNames]

Haha I love a good tangent! …and a vampire with a library 👀

[@katem7607]

I have kept writing every day. But I know I won't get to 50,000. But!! The fact I have been writing, working and painting haha. I will order myself another lovely nano mug because I am very proud of how much new writing I have done this month.

[@LeahWriter]

Just got my large coffee too. But I'm at work and sneaking on this vid🤣🤣

[@HeartBreathings]

😂♥️

[@annelyle5474]

I'm still on track, just about, and my final reward should arrive today, so I need to get down to it! However I've found that 50k is pretty much the upper limit of what I can write in a month (I have a full-time job), so planning for more than that is futile. It does force me to stay in the story, though, and ultimately it's much more effective for me than "slow and steady" - I too am a binge-writer at heart 😀

[@lindaholbrook7447]

I have not given up on Nano, but I have had to reset. I will reward myself with a trip with my daughter to an indie bookstore in Laconia, NH. I am looking forward to taking HB90 and planning Q1 24 to get a jump. on finishing my novel and getting it published. I just want to say, thank you, Sarra for being such an inspiration to all of us. You've kept me going in more ways than I can ever admit. God bless you and your beautiful family and thank you for sharing them with us. Happy holidays to you all.

[@thejournalhouse]

I never really understood Nano … I will do more research into it ❤ thank you for sharing your experience and advice

[@PinkHawk191]

I'm working with my state case manager for my disability services on the blogging career. She is helping me so much. I am going to order the Washi tape stickers to decorate my journals. That is a reward I really want.

[@talibryn]

My goal this year is to hit 25k. I am so, so close, but even if I don't get there, this has already been my most prolific project and I am ridiculously proud of myself. I also have a new record of writing every day for 27 days straight! I was able to do physical rewards for myself this year, and my cart is ready with the final batch for when I hit 25k: a new Nano shirt, two new books, and new mildliners!

[@NaraMouse101]

I started the month knowing that I wouldn't be participating in NaNo, just too much chaos in the rest of my life to set aside the massive amount of time I know I'd need to dedicate to reach even 20k, much less 50k. But! I did tell myself that I was going to really start taking wanting to be a writer seriously. I started the month with no plan, but I now know when I'll be able to set writing time aside and I have an idea of how much writing I want to get done next year, which is a big step forward for this newbie writer! 😀

[@Cheseafaith]

Yes I’m still working on Nano. 3500 more words to go.

[@wanderingjourneyarts852]

I just took a few days off of NaNo to play with my planners and set myself up for next year. I'm so excited, but now I have to write 3000+ words a day to catch up and win NaNo. I regret nothing, lol

[@nancy_weis]

I know for myself, that November is not a great month, no matter the year. Lots of stress at work, it's flu season and everyone wants a piece of you before the year ends. So NaNoWriMo never fits. But I can then easily do 25000 over Christmas each year. Sometimes you just need to do what works for yourself. Wish you success, Sarra, on finishing strong now. So looking forward to HB90 kick-off then!

[@jstimagin]

Had to adjust my nano goal right at the beginning. My goal is to complete a specific number of task blocks instead of words this month. I'm finding that I'm way more productive and writing more words doing that instead of stressing about words.

[@juliegolick]

I'm on track to finish MicroWriMo - only two micro-fictions to go! I don't know if I'll bother to "reward" myself. Honestly, the reward has been reconnecting with my creativity and seeing all 30 stories finished. (And getting reactions and comments from my friends as I've been posting them.)

[@marywockenfuss-thecraftypl6461]

I stopped writing in the first week of NaNo. But I'd like to get a little more done by the end.

[@elizalagonia1049]

One thing about NaNo that I think we forgot was why it started. The story I heard is that the founder had a whole bunch of friends always saying "I'm going to write a book. One day." He got sick of hearing the one day and challenged them to write 50k in that "One Day" book. To me the challenge isn't the 50k it's to make that "one day" today

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh my gosh, I love this!!! Yes, just write! Get started! Thank you for commenting!

[@oshun5880]

I’m so interested in your process for plotting your serial. I just started writing in Ream and it’s fun but I’m flying blind. I don’t know how long the episodes are going to be etc. We will see I guess

[@katendress6142]

Eternal life means more reading time. Over the next few days I want to look at what I wrote and get it outlined and start again without being in a rush.

[@HeartBreathings]

I wouldn't mind Eternal life lol. All the books!!

[@breemlew]

I knew I wouldn't hit 50k in NaNo because I'm a slow and steady kinda writer. But! The hype of NaNo energized me and I banged out close to 20k in a month which is a stellar accomplishment for me!

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@DixieJoJarchow]

45000 going for it!

[@HeartBreathings]

You've got this!

[@fantasyafield]

I love the idea of this series!!! And I’d be so curious to hear if this is still a future direction you’re coming back to. Those brand-level decisions are something I’m working with at the moment between debating a pen name for lower-key genre variance but difference in heat levels. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[@HeartBreathings]

By series do you just mean the nanwrimo diaries in general? I don't remember what I talked about specifically in this video! Pen name choices are really tough, and there's a lot of strategy involved so it's really a yes or no thought without a lot of "it depends" for me.

[@fantasyafield]

I totally get that! In this video, you mention your Silas story and the vampire series you considered writing and have plotted, but you were worried it would be too much of a brand diversion. (For the record, a vampire series sounds amazing!) So for myself, I have been weighing a pen name for dark fantasy that’s romantasy-leaning, maybe even fantasy romance leaning. I write epic fantasy now. I know those two genres aren’t super opposite or anything, but I was trying to decide if it would be easier for me, creatively, to think of them as separate, and easier for readers to be fully on board genre-wise.

[@L.M.Lefrancois]

Just hit 48k today and made a video over it...ugh so close! ❤

[@michele_author]

I had a feeling I wouldn't finish NaNo, and I'm okay with that. I am determined to finish the edits of this 30K novella I've been working on, though. I am down to 1 1/2 chapters, so I've got this!

[@jennye1846]

Socks are super cute,

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! They are so cozy

[@cherylfish8931]

I finished NaNo a few days ago. I have 3 rewards. One is a signed Copy of your book The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw I ordered during Spooktacular (25K reward). My next was a 2024 Happy planner (50K reward) . And finally, my husband surprised me with a 24 day Crystal Advent Calander. (It was my reward for finishing, it was his idea to do NaNo together this year, but he quit 1/2 way through the month, so it was my prize for persevering) .

[@caramullaney2043]

I haven't done NaNo this year due to needing a rest and because theres no way I could write 50k in a month. Next year would you consider doing a video on newsletters? Such as what to include, how to build your mailing lists, and all the basics.

[@aleksandra1165]

13k to go. I have no idea if I'll make it but I do wanna try :)

[@cecilywolfe4571]

I'm not participating in NNWM because I'm working two jobs right now, and family stuff has me so stressed. But my daughter Molly is about to win it with her new teen vampire romance (this will be her 13th published book when she publishes it on January 1), so her younger sister and I are planning to celebrate with her when she comes home from college this weekend to visit.

[@jeanshelbybooks]

Sarra, I’m saying this as just an idea and because I love you so much. You are a master manifestor. I know you struggle with PCOS, but what if you write some affirmations to beat it? You can start telling yourself you have overcome it instead of identifying with it. You’ve found your sweet spot with it, you’ve found your cure, and you beat it once and for all? 😊 I really wish you the best with this ailment! I’ve had some too and now that I’ve beat them I realize how powerful we all are. ❤

[@foxsbestlaidplans]

it has been a very weird year for me for NaNo. i started out strong (on the Fox Scale that is haha. strong for me!) and then i really lost my creative energy over the holiday weekend. so i am pretty far behind and have a lot of ground to make up today and tomorrow. i was hoping to not be here this year, but in a way, since this is how my last few days ALWAYS go (year 22 and i still don't usually cross 30k until about the 25th of the month lol), this feels like coming home. in a bizarre, 'why am i like this' kind of way 🤣🤣

[@lindaholbrook7447]

Sarra, you do way too much for your fans! 💗 Not that we don't appreciate it, but you do way too much.

[@HeartBreathings]

I'm sure this comes from a place of love, but I choose what I do with joy and love. Yes, I still put too much on my plate, but I also am happier being busy than not. I love helping people and it brings joy. I don't feel like it's too much! I just still need to work toward more balance, which is true for so many of us!

[@lindaholbrook7447]

I know it’s your choice my dear, I just worry about you doing too much. It’s the mom in me and it’s totally a place of love and caring. I’ve been following you for so many years and have seen you go through so much…I really care. ❤️❤️

[@vintagepomegranate2981]

This was my first month doing NaNo - and I'm definitely not going to hit the goal this time. My new goal is to get halfway there and finish the second 25k in December :)

[@knottyneedle]

I gave up...as my daughter and her husband split and she moved in with me at the beginning of the month.

[@HeartBreathings]

Aww, well, that's definitely a disruption and what a great mom you are for being there for her when she needs you!

[@woodlandlady7011]

Hi Sarra! What is a ream subscription? I must have missed it when you were talking about it

[@JessicaNWheeler]

I wrote 2k this month and stopped. I've had a hard year dealing with some really tough stuff that took a toll on my mental health, and I decided NaNo wasn't fun for me this year and was stressing me out more so I stopped.

[@hillaryfarley4186]

Ugh thank you for sorta giving permission to adjust nano goals. I hadn’t thought about it that way. I just sort of decided I’ve failed. But I can adjust and win a different game! Guess I’m 17k away. 😕

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes, you make the rules!!! Decide on the win for yourself and go for it!

[@lindaholbrook7447]

Does turmeric help your inflammation? It helps mine from my sjogrens syndrome.

[@HeartBreathings]

You know what, I haven't tried that, but I do have some turmeric! I'm going to try it, thank you!

[@janalewis3030]

Wow - that's what I would do if I were a vampire - create a huge library and just sit and read all day and night! Love werewolves, too!

[@HeartBreathings]

Yess!!! Me too, haha.