On The 25th Day, A Novel Was Created....

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Twenty five days ago I challenged myself to a task I never thought I could accomplish. In observation of National Novel Writers Month, I joined the effort to pump out a whopping 50,000 page novel in a matter of 30 days. I am in no way comparable to the real authors who toil through similar tasks in order create a literary achievement, but I sure feel like one having gone through the journey of late nights, too much coffee, and chain smoking. Having completed my novel, ahead of schedule by three day requires rejoicing as I have finally cleared my mind...for now.

Before starting on this finger tapping adventure, I knew the basic direction I would approach, so I titled the novel, "The Art of Life". Remaining true to the core was tough and it required the constant breaking of mental blocks along the way. Never did I think that this task would ever be fulfilled with such ease, and it ultimately leads me to believe I can do anything! Every night I looked forward to sitting down and typing the thoughts that were flying threw my mind at lightening speed. It was like relieving years of accumulated thoughts that has finally allowed me to take a deep breath and look back with a smile.  Needless to say my hands are far more conditioned than before I started the challenge. I suspect that I will wake up from a deep dream of typing in the middle of the night, as that has pretty much been the task since the beginning of November. All worth it, I must say!

December will involve intense editing and rewriting of the hundred plus pages in order to get it into print by early Spring 2009. Until then, the novel will stay close by my side until it can be released into the literary world.

As a part of the campaign to write away, winners enjoy complimentary trade proofs of their book courtesy of CreateSpace, as well as discounts on author inspired programs, and tools to translate their visions to paper.

If all things go as planned, you can get a sneak peak of "The Art of Life" in the upcoming months. I expect to illustrate this novel as the name itself calls for it and is the root of my passions. After all, I am not an author, but an artist who interprets every bit of life as a piece of living art. The hardest part is done...50,000 words!

(Left: Novel Artwork for "The Art of Life.")