Back to the blogging

Well December is finally here and I'm back to the blog.

Where have I been?
NaNoWriMo

National Novel Writing Month, sponsored by the Office of Letters and Lights, is a "contest" among writers to see who can crank out a 50,000 word novel in 30 dreary November days.  There are no rules, other than it be original, it begin on the first of November, and that you finish by midnight on the 30th.  So, can one actually achieve 50,000 words in a month (while jugging all other obligations)?
I did it in 29.
Granted that meant I spent most any spare moment typing away at my computer, whether I was on the bus, at my desk, between classes, and sometimes late into the night while curled up in my bed.  Can't say I wrote a prize winning piece, but I can say I've written a novel in less than a month!
Last year's NaNoWriMo project I failed to get past 48,000 words.  I'm happy to say I made it to 50,010 words (though I still haven't come up with an ending yet, so it'll be more).  It is really nice to accomplish this goal.
I feel wonderful at how easy it is to fit in time for writing.  In all honesty, it demonstrates to me that if I fail to find time for writing in my life, I'm not really trying to write.  Granted, writing for quantity does not often yield quality, but in the words an unnamed English professor (unnamed because I honestly can't recall her name) the key to writing is?
Shitty first drafts.
In all honesty, she's dead on.  First drafts are the worst examples of a person's writing (sadly they composed all too many of my collegiate essays), but until there is a first draft, there is nothing.  So I'm pleased to have made this draft of my second attempt at a novel manuscript.  Bringing me all the closer to actually composing a novel worth publishing, and yes, I will publish these works at some point in time.
It's gonna happen people.
On the other hand, sitting at my desk at school I realize now how much time I spent writing while on the clock.  Throughout today I've noticed that I have all this time.  Time waiting for files to download, time between classes, time to just sit when I can't think of anything work related.  I realize now I spent a lot of my day writing this damn manuscript!

I'm not finished with this novel.  In fact, I suspect I'll be working on it throughout December, but at a considerably more leisurely pace.  That and I need to edit this novel's predecessor (something I've put off since... well... last December).  Ideally, I'll be able to polish the two books and post excerpts here (or my other blog since these novels have nothing to do with Korea and I haven't posted on that blog in.... yeah).

In any case, my literary marathon is at last ended!  I'm happy to report I managed to have a social life, teach classes, and travel throughout November while accomplishing this goal of mine.  I consider that to be worth a the proverbial pat on the back.
I'll be releasing stories about my adventures abroad during the month of November in short order (as in when I finish sorting through pictures).  As a teaser I can tell you I've been busy during November.  I've administered my first Middle School Speaking Tests (which some of my students actually passed!), hiked in the largest national park in Kora, been to and from Seoul several times, and.... slept.
You'd be surprised how difficult it can be getting that last one....