I have been learning a lot from this year’s NaNo journey.

1. I can type really fast if I a) want to b) have to or c) have a lot to say

2. Some days I have a lot to say. Other days I feel like I am pulling teeth just to put one sensible sentence together.

3. Writing in the early afternoon is my most productive time; however, most of my writing is done when the children are in bed of a night time, when I am at my most tired. Not very sensible.

4. Sugar actually does help me to write. So does tea.

5. Watching Dr Who does not actually help me to write, especially watching David Tennant. Very distracting!

6. Writing dialogue really builds up the word count. The writing flows really quickly and I am not so focused on writing than I am observing what the characters are doing.

7. Sometimes I feel completely out of control when I am writing, like the story grows without my consent. It just flows and then I say, ‘Well, I did not expect that!’

8. It’s really hard doing NaNo. It is tough. It is tough to sit down and write madly in the evenings. Some nights I am really inspired to write. Other nights I would rather cut off all my hair and wash the toilet with it.

9. When I am writing something, it is always in my mind, even when I am not actually writing. I keep wanting to write my stuff. I steal the odd moment at work to write. When I am driving, I think so much about what I want to write.

10. I get my best ideas in the shower. I reckon it’s because it is the one place I usually have peace and quiet!