It’s the last week of National Novel Writing Month and I’m both optimistic, pessimistic and realistic all at once.

I’ve only written 26,874 – a little over halfway done with less than one week left to hit the challenge goal of 50,000 words and it’s Thanksgiving week to boot (and with Christmas coming I have a million other little goals to attend to in addition to my normal work load as a wife and mother and home keeper).

Is it possible that I’ll finish? Yes, I suppose, but it’s not very likely. Admittedly, this is my own fault. In addition to the normal writing struggles like word block and my already anticipated time constraints – like my husband’s birthday last week which saw me baking and cooking a special dinner for him – I also frankly just goofed off a bit. My sanity required it and I let it happen. Shame on me or good for me? I’m not sure.

So why am I optimistic when reality and pessimism seem to indicate that I won’t finish the challenge? I still think I’ll finish the book either way and at the end of the day, that is more important. If enjoying the holidays and keeping up with my LIFE mean that I don’t write 50,000 words in 30 days – I am totally at peace with that as long as I keep writing.

Are you trying to write a novel this month? How is your progress going? Do you think you’ll finish on time?