I have a Book List. I know – normal people make a Bucket List, but I made a Book List. I have created an amazing list of books that I’d like to write before the physical me ceases to exist.

I can’t remember when I actually started my list, but I have been building it for quite some time now. When I think of an idea for a book or storyline, I simply add it to my list – complete with a short overview of what I think it is about, and any tidbits I can think of that will add flavor to the story.

My Book List has grown considerably in recent years, thanks to a series of memorable events occurring in my world. I think Stephen King would be proud – or not – since I haven’t actually written any of the books that have made the list. But, that is about to change. I am clearing my calendar for the month of November so that I can write a book. If you’re wondering why I have specifically selected November for this monumental feat, it’s because November is NaNoWriMo. I thought it was a weird name too, but that stands for National Novel Writing Month. Isn’t that amazing? An entire month dedicated to the art of writing. To formally participate in the event you’re expected to make a commitment, and abide by a couple of rules. No big deal, right? I mean, how hard could it be to write a complete novel of at least fifty thousand words in only one month? Thirty days. November. Not December, not August, it has to be done in November – a month that also marks the change of time, the honor of service, and the giving of thanks.

I first heard of NaNoWriMo about a year ago, and although I was quite intrigued, my life was happening, and I just couldn’t (or didn’t) make the commitment. Even now, I am wading in on the shallow end. I don’t know yet if I will participate in all of the activities surrounding the event, or just give in to my preference for the peace of solitude, but I definitely plan to write. I’m going to write the book from my Book List that has been prodding me the most. It may be more of a novella than a novel by the time it is all said and done, but it is something that I want to get down in print. Mostly for me, but also for my children, and for my family, and for anybody else who might be interested, or affected by a similar set of circumstances. The working title for this little venture is “Ladybugs and Butterflies”. That’s all I can say about it for now, but I am very excited about the prospect of finally giving form to these ideas I have had for so long now. I am committed to producing a completed SFD (thanks Anne Lamott) by the end of November. One month. Thirty days.

I can do this.