The only way I'm going to get in the habit of doing a journal entry every once and awhile is by taking a minute each day to write an entry. It's the current theory, anyway.

The end of the novel is in sight and the first draft will be finished or very very close to finished before World Fantasy. My daily word count is up this month, just like it was during the first couple of months of writing this novel. I had a hell of time with the loss of enthusiasm and thinking the novel was crap in August and September when the monthly word counts were low.

The revising/rewriting the novel seems daunting. Ugh, what a mess. Can I do it in two weeks or should I take my time? I want to get this thing out before Christmas.

I have around 60,000 words on the novel written since May. And I know I can do better. Referring to my charts, I see how damaging missing days can be, even low word count days. This novel is a learning experience in how I can better write the next one. It does get easier, right? Or is every novel a different beast? I'll be getting in more detail about my numbers in the coming days or weeks.

Also, I'll be going on seasonal lay-off from my job on the golf course sometime in November. More writing time, more practicing at least until March.

I was pleased to see my story "Messages" as a honorable mention in Datlow & Windlings Year's Best Fantasy & Horror. Next stop, the table of contents!