November looks good--IWSG

Time is flying by and I can't keep up! Vacation was great though, so I'm taking it all in stride. The cruise was exactly what I needed to reconnect with my hubby. We did a lot of nothing, a lot of dancing, a lot of eating, and most importantly talking to each other. It was wonderful. Here are a few highlights before I share my favorite photos from the trip.

• Lots of delicious foods (AND I didn't gain any weight while gone!)

• We put our dance lessons to use every night. Waltz, salsa, bachata, swing, and our own thing we've perfected over the last 35 years of dancing together. I'll admit it's a huge ego boost when people you don't know say hi to you at the buffet and say, "You're that dancing couple!"

• Gorgeous weather the whole trip and some beautiful scenery

• Hubby's nap times were good writing times for me (I started that Spruce Cove, Oregon project I've talked about for years, and I wrote the first 2 chapters of book 3 in the Seasons of Sugar Creek series.)

• Being disconnected from the world is always a great way to reset

• I wanted to stay at Green Gables :)

Now I'm getting back into the groove of writing and taking care of all my other responsibilities. I don't know why, but this time of year always feels more hopeful to me. Perhaps it's because I begin to turn my house into a winter wonderland full of lights and Christmas joy?

Anyway, here are a few photos from the cruise.

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November 1 question: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

I've participated in Nanowrimo many times, but not in the last several years. Each November, I think I'll return to it, but I don't follow the rules very well. It was a great thing for me when I didn't write every day, but now I don't need it to encourage me to get words on the page. That's a good thing, right?

Whenever I meet new writers who say they've never finished a complete novel, I recommend Nanowrimo. Forcing yourself to write for the sake of it and turn off the inner editor is a great exercise that can get you to THE END.

What about you? Do you Nano?

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Let’s rock the neurotic writing world! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG. The awesome co-hosts for the November 1 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Jean Davis,Lisa Buie Collard, and Diedre Knight!