NaNoWriMo... Or not

A writer friend (newly cometh to the writing life) asked me if I was an 'Edit As I Go Along' writer, or of the 'Write, Then Edit' camp. I'm definitely the latter. For some writers going over what they've written the day before works for them but for me, it would inhibit me to the point where I'd fret so much about what I'd already written I wouldn't make any progress at all. Get it down then get it edited, is my mantra.

This is one of the ideas behind NaNoWriMo,  - National Novel Writing Month, to the uninitiated - which ends today. Write every day in November and rejoice in what you achieve by the end. Many contributors have posted during the month, fretting or otherwise, about their daily word counts. And well done to all, whatever achieved!

I, meanwhile, I've been engaged in a different version of the NaNoWriMo concept and I've called it LoNoWriMultiMo - Local (my desk) Novel Writing Multiple Months.

Although I didn't give myself the end of November as a deadline, it seemed like a good idea to 'join in' and use the occasion to focus on completing the draft of my current novel before succumbing to the festive season.

So far, I'm holding my own (the evidence of all that hard work must be in the fact that I've done a post since 8th November!) and I dare to hope that by Friday 13th December (unlucky for some!) I'll have reached my goal.

Best of.. Worst of.. A Tale of Two Couriers

The Worst of...

Excitement! Books due for delivery! No problem - in all day.

Wait in anticipation, and wait, and wait. No delivery. Ah well, road works nearby, weather rough, hold ups... Message received. Re-delivery promised for next day.

Wait in. Again. Wait, wait, wait. Again. No delivery... Miffed! Phone call, complain. Grovels received. Promises for the NEXT day (Saturday).

YES!!! Box of books arrive, delivered by Saturday delivery man with a few disparaging words about his colleague for whom he's had to 'mop up' week-day left overs before!

But at least they're here... bit battered, though. Looks like the box has come open and they've been shoved back in... mmm. Not impressed. Complain again! At least the books seem to have survived their ordeal. Just...

The Best of...

Excitement! Bookmarks due for delivery! Email received: "your delivery has been dispatched and will arrive tomorrow." Hooray! No problem - in all day.

Second email the next morning: "Your delivery will arrive between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm with Darren." Wow! Never had a time before.

Later, about 1.30 pm, notice it also says: "Click here to see where Darren is now." Give it a go... "Darren is here (mark on map!) currently delivering parcel number 36. You are parcel number 38. Darren will be with you in about an hour." Hey, impressive stuff!

Less than an hour later, a van pulls up. 'You Darren?' I call from the doorstep. 'Yep,' he replies, jauntily. 'And I'm 7 minutes early!'

Hands over box with a smile and is gone. That's what I call a service!

I won't mention the name of the Worst courier on this occasion, in case it's a mere blip but I'm happy to applaud the quality service of the Best.. .

Thank You Interlink!