A VERY good month: an "Ailing Body, Nourished Soul" update

All righty, then. I need to start with my biggest news. This would be the news that has had me bouncing about all day today. (and that is not a figurative statement LOL)

Most of you know that I am working on writing a book about God's workings in my family's lives during my husband's serious health issues. At least some of you also know that I entered the introduction and first chapter of this book (along with a synopsis of the rest!) in the Faithwriters' Page Turner Contest for Non-Fiction this past September. Well, as the beeeaauuuttiiiffuulll graphic to the left says, I received highly commended in that contest! (Just FYI, there was one first place winner - my dear friend Corrine Smelker - and two highly commendeds. The second was my other friend Cheri Hardaway) I really, really didn't think I was going to place in this contest. Sure, I was hoping (who wouldn't?), but especially in the last couple weeks I had been telling myself (LOL and others) that I didn't win, just so I wouldn't be disappointed this morning when winners were announced.

I'm not disappointed (hehe). I will receive a plaque for my accomplishment, plus that really cool graphic up there I can put on my website/blog/etc. I can also get half-priced editing on my complete manuscript from Finesse Editing and Writing Services (owned by the amazing, incredible, and lovely Deb Porter, who many of you know and love!). I can do nothing but praise God for allowing me to have this writing talent, and to thank YOU for your support of my writing journey!

Oh - and there is other news on my progress on my manuscript! I did a rough count a few days ago, and it appears I currently have about 16,000 words of my book done (most in very, very rough draft form). I can't tell you how encouraging that was for me to see. Gotta keep plugging away - got that half-price editing deal to redeem!!

As far as last month, my goal was to write 7,500 words by the end of November. I am pleased to say that I DID achieve that goal, with a touch extra. As of November 30, at bedtime, I wrote 7,764 words. I definitely struggled some, but having a daily goal (of 250 words) was very helpful.

7764 / 7500 words. 104% done!

Anyhow, for December, I am "kicking it up a notch." I definitely found the word count, rather than the chapter, goal most helpful. So, to stretch myself a bit, I am increasing my goal for the month to 10,000 words. That averages to just under 325 words a day. With the holidays and all, we'll see, but I'll never get this done if I stagnate, yanno? Be sure to watch my counter, which I will update (for the most part!) nightly. The new one, with the new goal, will be up later this evening.

Thank you so much, folks, for reading and encouraging me on this writing journey. You have helped me more than you can know.

Wow. Praise the Lord!