A page a day is a novel a year

In recent weeks the work-in-progress has gone from tetchy to down-right flinty-eyed. Now the silent treatment has given way to full-blown tirades whenever I'm within spitting distance of the keyboard.

So you're back, are you? Think you can just dump me, then pick up where we left off? After you've been running around with that little chapter book…Or that ridiculous short story. Oh yes, I know all about that, the one with the killer opening and cute little epiphany.

I avert my eyes. I can't bear to see the accusation in her stalled word count.

We've been together a long time, the w-i-p and me. She's a harsh mistress. Exacting and demanding. But you know what novels are like. They expect a lot from us, but then they give a lot too. And she's been giving me heaps lately…

You've been lunching with that new publisher, haven't you? The one who set you up with that Aussie Mate. Bet you didn't talk about me, did you? Well, I mean, what would you have to say? You never come near me, you don't write, you don't -

I stop her right there. She's right – about everything. I've let myself get distracted. Teaching other people how to massage their stories into shape, but neglecting needs much closer to home… I don't want to lose what we've built together, and I'm scared that if I fall out of the story, she'll never let me back in.

I make wild promises. I even sign up for Queensland Writers Week in a desperate attempt to prove my commitment. I swear to finish what we've started and vow to earn my way get back into her good books.

I'll take baby steps. A page a day. That's a novel a year. I can do this.

I promise myself and my sceptical w-i-p that I will dedicate at least one page to her, every day, until it is done.

No excuses. No exemptions. If I fail to write at least one page today, then I must write at least two pages tomorrow.

Hold me to this. In fact, put a smile on the face of your w-i-p and join me.

I'll be recording my progress in the comments below. You can too. Let's celebrate Queensland Writers Week together, and get that novel written. One page at a time. Starting today.

I'm up to page 124 and counting. How about you?