NaNoWriMo Progress Update: Overcoming Creative Hurdles and Finding Your Writing Flow

NaNoWriMo Update: 21,582 Words and Counting!

We’re well into NaNoWriMo, and as of November 11th, I’m sitting at 21,582 words—just shy of the halfway mark to the 50,000-word goal! It’s been a rollercoaster ride of productivity, with some days feeling like I’m on fire, churning out thousands of words, and others where getting a couple hundred words feels like climbing a mountain. But that’s the beauty of NaNoWriMo: it’s all about showing up, pushing through, and celebrating every word that makes it onto the page.

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The Ups and Downs of Writing Days

Writing is unpredictable. Some days, the words seem to flow effortlessly, as if my characters are telling their own stories. Other days, I feel like I’m dragging every sentence out of the mud. Sound familiar? It’s all part of the process.

Those high-productivity days are exhilarating. The story takes shape rapidly, and the characters come alive in ways I hadn’t planned. But on the flip side, there are the slower days when inspiration feels out of reach. These moments can be tough, but they’ve also taught me the importance of persistence and adaptability.

Dealing with “Writer’s Block” (A Term I’m Not Fond Of)

I don’t love the term “writer’s block” because it makes the creative slowdown feel like an insurmountable wall. Instead, I like to think of it as a shift in perspective—a signal that I need to approach my story differently. Over the years, I’ve developed a few strategies to keep the words flowing, even when progress feels sluggish.

1. Switch to a Different Scene

When I’m stuck on a particular part of the story, I jump to a different scene—perhaps one later in the book or even a pivotal moment I’ve been excited to write. This helps bypass the mental block and keeps me moving forward. Plus, I can always return to the challenging section with fresh eyes.

2. Ask the Characters Questions

Yes, I literally talk to my characters! I ask them questions like:

• “What’s your next move in this situation?”
• “How do you feel about what just happened?”
• “What’s something from your past that might affect your decision here?”

This exercise helps me dive deeper into their motivations and often unlocks new story possibilities.

3. Write in the Same Universe but Off-Plot

Sometimes, I write short scenes or backstories set in my novel’s universe that won’t ever make it into the book. These could be character interactions, events from before the main plot, or even “what if” scenarios. Although these words don’t count toward my NaNoWriMo goal, they keep my creativity alive and deepen my understanding of the world I’m building.

Staying Creative and Grateful

Whether the words flow easily or come in fits and starts, the key is to keep writing. NaNoWriMo is as much about discipline as it is about creativity, and every single word counts toward building the story.

Yesterday was Veteran’s Day, so I want to take a moment to thank all my fellow veterans and first responders who have served and continue to serve our country and communities. Your dedication, courage, and sacrifices are always inspiring. God bless you all.

Here’s to another week of writing and pushing closer to our goals. Let’s keep the momentum going!