Wait, wait, wait. There’s only 12 weeks left in 2014? 10-ish weeks until that date I’m not allowed to bring up because it’s not even Halloween yet, and *gasp* just 2 weeks left until NaNoWriMo starts?

It also means there’s only 1 week left for the girl and I to get this house in order so we can welcome my niece for an over-nighter while her mom & dad are at C4 in the city. I’m not entirely sure what we’re going to do with a 3 1/2 year old for 24+ hours, but it’ll be something. Suggestions welcome!

Now that I’m over the time-crunch panic, have I mentioned yet that I wrote a little story about cloning and fiddling with nature and a giant mosasaur and it was accepted (insert fanfare here) into Fossil Lake 2: The Refossiling? Christine Morgan is editing once again, and it’ll release in February. I’m always excited to work with Christine, and I’m definitely proud to be back at Fossil Lake. The water is cold and dark and there are hidden depths where all sorts of things can go on…

In the meantime, I’m editing for what looks to be the last of the New Bedlam Project collections, Return to New Bedlam, and prepping for NaNoWriMo.

Only 2 weeks. I’m not sure that’s enough time. I can feel the panic grabbing my wits and squeezing already. Still, I’ve got a plan, I’ve got stuff, and the grocery list is already filling out with coffee pods, ‘treat’ coffee pods and quick to make and eat, energy-laden foods.

Yeah, I was right. There’s the panic.

I don’t get it. This is the first time I’ve felt real panic surrounding NaNo prep. I’ve joked about it, teased friends, felt a twinge of nerves here and there. But never felt panic before. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because I’ve actually got a purpose behind this one, and a particular goal. Or, the panic could just be that the muse has finally, finally decided to play ball and now she wants to get to work – immediately – and get this ball rolling.

I think I’m gonna go read some NaNo encouraging posts… want to come along?

Past advice from Chuck Wendig (who is also an official prep-talker this year!): 2011 2012 2013

From Writer’s Digest: How to Prepare for NaNoWriMo

From Storyist: Getting Ready for NaNoWriMo

From The Writing Box: 10 NaNoWriMo Tips

From Jami Gold, paranormal author: Free Story Planning Sheets

I think I’m going to get back to working on stuff now.

Just in case. <|8^} ’til next week! <3 JL