I can’t believe we’re two weeks into Camp NaNoWriMo already. This month is going by really fast.

Somehow, for the first time ever, I’m staying on track with my writing for Camp. I’ve attempted to write for every Camp NaNoWriMo session since it started in 2011. I don’t think I’ve ever been this consistent at the end of the second week. Ever.

I’m starting to feel like I might be able to do this.

Seeing myself on the path after two weeks of writing has brought up some questions. What am I doing differently? Why now?

The first thing I’m doing differently is setting a lower goal. I cut my goal from April Camp NaNoWriMo in half. That sounds drastic, but looking at my results it seemed necessary for my sanity. Back in April I didn’t even reach the halfway point of that goal. Based on that, 10,000 words still seemed like a stretch.

Another thing I’m doing differently is getting to a place where I’m truly cut off from distractions. This is working out partly because of social distancing and other restrictions in place because of the pandemic. No one is asking me to go out and do fun, distracting things this month. Another thing keeping me away from distractions is the unbearable heat and humidity. The weather isn’t awful every day, but I’m spending enough days hiding in a cool space that I’m a lot less likely to be playing games or drawing on my desktop when I should be writing. Apparently, there are some benefits to having a laptop that can’t do much more than run Scrivener.

The final thing that’s different this month is that I just want to write. I’m at a place with this third draft where I’m itching to finish it. I can see the end in the distance and I need to get there. It might be the best motivation ever.

Going into week 3 I’m feeling very optimistic. I think I can do this. I’m motivated. Distractions are limited. There’s a very real chance this will be my first ever Camp NaNoWriMo win. This is my 20th attempt at Camp NaNo. I think I deserve a win.

How was your second week of Camp NaNoWriMo? Is this month of writing easier or harder than usual for you?