This is always the time in the process of NaNoWriMo that motivation starts running a little low. I start to see all the other things that I could be doing. Going out for a few hours to have dinner and just skipping writing that day starts to sound like a great plan. It's the time when I stare at the blank page and just can't think of what words come next. The moment that I doubt the spelling of the word 'the'. Yes, indeed 'the'.

And this is the moment that I remind myself that it's okay to write crap. In fact, right at this moment, every word of this blog post is like pulling teeth. It's a struggle and frankly, I don't even know if this post will ever see the light of day. But, I know I have the time to do it and I have the capacity to do it, so here I sit pulling away and with every sentence it gets a little easier. Not like the magical lightning of inspiration easy, but easier, and that's okay.

Being able to stick out through the tough parts of writing is a great skill to have because writing isn't an easy thing to do. Sure physical it's pretty low on the exertion skill for many people, but the mental capacity and the ability to simply sit (stand or walk) while ignoring ALL OF THE INTERNET is truly a feat of will. Handling the work even on days when I don't want to helps make me a writer. So, you're already on a computer, or tablet or some kind of device that can read this, right? Close it out and write just a sentence. Then another.

Do what you can and believe that you are a whole lot more resilient than you think. One of the reasons I support NaNoWriMo is that I believe it does teach a lot of the skills that you need to be a writer: sticking to a goal and seeing it through to the end. Not getting distracted by the shiny new idea and finishing what you start are some of the most vital skills for a writer. Ideas are a dime a dozen, but writing one totally out is a different task completely.

So, for today, for right now, just stick it out a little longer. Write one sentence more than you think you can.

Just know that we're all here with you and the end is totally in reach and reachable.