#IWSG – NaNoWriMo Challenge

This month’s piece for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post is a challenge for two reasons. (1) as in the title and November’s optional question; and (2) the problems arising from my bedridden state, especially my injured leg. The injury is taking a while to heal, compounded by some pro-carers making abrupt adjustments to the leg.

Meanwhile, during October, I managed to write my next Ukraine story. But as the war drags on, there are many issues I need to address.  So, I’ve introduced a new character to interact with my Night Witches in another extra episode, titled Embedded, before the WEP/IWSG flash due in December.

If you want to read the October episode, with a Halloween theme, go to:

WEP/IWSG October Challenge – Masked Nemesis

Slava Ukrayini

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Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

November 1 question: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

Although I first joined NaNoWriMo on November 3rd, 2011, I have no official record of what I tried to write that month… although this website implies it was The Last Leaf. So, my first recorded attempt was in November 2012, when I wrote 54,817 words, which became the first draft of Wyrm Blood.

Work Progression – or not

50k words is the target set by NaNoWriMo, so a measure of success… a win. As well as my 2012 success, I also ‘won’ five more times between 2013 and 2018, only missing 2014, when I didn’t start anything. However, in November 2015, I wrote 70,274 words, my largest ever NaNoWriMo count. This was towards Fates Maelstrom, a novel I started in 2012, but relocated to North Wales, so it could feature an early version of Detective Sparkle Anwyl. https://rolandclarke.com/2015/11/12/sparkle-anwyl-sleuth-or-sidekick/

I have not taken part since 2018, due mostly to my health, and to having unfinished projects. Those include my Ukraine stories.

Although I’m aware that 50k is a count too far this year, I will attempt to write some more Ukraine historical stories to fill the period between 1944 and 2022. The proposed Freedom Flights collection will open with my 1944 World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the two Ukrainian Chayka sisters and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.

I then propose to add stories which explain how the Chayka sisters settled in Canada and founded the aviation business, which encourages two of their granddaughters to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1988. Although the original Chayka sisters were still alive to celebrate Ukrainian independence in December 1991 (aged 69/59), they died when Putin annexed Crimea in March (aged 92/82). As soon as they leave the RCAF, the granddaughters vow to fight for their homeland.

So, when Russia invades Ukraine on 24th February, the granddaughters enlist, thus launching the current series of my 2022-23 WEP/IWSG Challenges. The Challenges which I pray will include a just peace, will conclude the Freedom Flights collection.

Let Us Beat Swords into Plowshares, sculpture by Yevgeny Vuchetich – 1959 gift of the Soviet Union to the United Nations – garden of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City
Photo: Neptuul. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swords_to_ploughshares

I also intend to write my proposed 2023 episode Embedded during NaNoWriMo, probably in the first few days.

Good luck everyone else who rises to the NaNoWriMo Challenge in November 2023.

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The awesome co-hosts for the November 1 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Jean Davis, Lisa Buie Collard, and Diedre Knight!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!