How was I supposed to write 50,000 words in one month? I sat in front of the computer staring at the blank Word document. With all the warm-ups and brainstorming I had completed, I still had the struggle of typing the first word. In order to take off the pressure, I typed the word ‘novel’ at the top. Then, I began.

Writing my first ever novel, started on November 1st my sophomore year of high school with the rest of my English class. I originally wanted it to be about a young teenage girl, since I could most relate to that. But, I wanted to create some sort of story that I personally had not experienced before. I had no restrictions when writing my first ever novel, except for the length minimum, so I typed and typed away. To keep track of my process a chart was encouraged on the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) website. Also, I designed my own physical chart which led all the way up my wall. Each box was numbered 1,000 to 50,000 ascending by thousands. Then every time I completed 1,000 words, I colored the box in with a red colored pencil. At the beginning, the top at 50,000 words felt so daunting. For some reason I could not imagine myself ever reaching it.

I did not skip a single day without writing at least one word. I knew if I let myself slip one day I would more than likely do it again and ultimately have a slower writing process. As I typed I felt the words naturally coming onto the computer screen. I added no force and never went back even if I had a spelling error. The story drifted to places, and events were created that I never intended , but I didn’t mind.

By the middle of the month, my novel was only at the halfway point. I knew I was making perfect progress. I was so dedicated to the topic it was all I talked about. It sort of gave me bragging rights. Whenever I would explain what my goal was, family and friends eyes would bulged out of their head. It was shocking to most people that on top of all my other school related work, I still managed to stay motivated.

I finally met my goal two days before November 30, the last day of National Novel Writing Month. As I typed in the last and final word, I stared into the computer screen and scrolled up to the top for what seemed to last minutes. I doubled spaced the novel and in the corner of the document read ‘148’ pages. I knew it might have seemed like a waste, but I printed it all out. Half the sentences probably did not make an ounce of sense but I showed it off to all my friends.

After receiving congratulations from countless people, getting papers and awards from my teacher, and an article in the school newspaper written about me, I felt a sense of accomplishment. With the chart still hanging on my wall in my room, I remember the long process of writing a novel and feel just as satisfied as the day I finished. I knew after sticking to difficult goal and executing it, as long as I stay ambitious and dedicated, I am capable to completing intimidating tasks.