As the first day of National Novel Writing Month 2012 draws to a close, I find myself embroiled in the first 3,000 words (ish) of a bloody, nostalgic romp through my hometown. I’m not sure if it’s homesickness during the holidays, or some deeply seated need to murder the insecurities of my youth in grand, dramatic fashion. But whatever the case, I’m excited to see what kind of darkness lurks in the unexplored corners of my mind.

That said, this is also new territory for me in a literary sense, and I’m a little scared. Not only is the plotting of a serial murder case a very complex feat, it’s also a little insane considering that the first 50,000 words or so will be spewing forth from my brain with the speed and precision of a fire hydrant. Sloppy and violent, to say the least.

I’m also trying to cut down on the wordiness–contrary to the goals of NaNoWriMo that may seem–which, if you’ve been reading this blog for long, you’ll know is no easy task. Short sentences, clipped descriptions, and as few adverbs as possible. Those are the rules I’ve set for myself.

Will I make it to the end of the month? Will I succeed? And most importantly, will the end result stand up to any kind of literary scrutiny?

Thrilling questions, all.

NANO STATS:

November 1, 2012 – 9:58pm

Title: Red Headed Stranger

Word Count: 2,989

Prognosis: Hopeful, for now