because everything has to start somewhere.

I've been afraid to say it aloud (much less in print) but here it goes: I'm writing a novel. Yikes.

For whatever reason — several reasons, really — I've felt too nervous to tell anybody. I've felt nervous, embarrassed, worried that I'll seem too bold or presumptuous or some other terrible, negative adjective. I need to mention it, though. I need to see how it feels when the whole thing becomes real.

See, there's been a cast of characters dancing around my brain for the past few years, and their story has slowly come into focus as I've opened myself up to the idea of actually writing it. But the truth is, I've been scared. Really, really scared. The idea of Writing A Novel carries its own weight, its own pressures and assumptions. What if I can't finish it? What if I do and it's no good? What if?

The what-if fears have been plaguing and paralyzing me forever, but with National Novel Writing Month approaching, I thought, why not? So I don't finish. So it's terrible. So what.

As I slowly but surely move through this wonderfully complicated storywriting business, I'd love to know: Have you ever participated in National Novel Writing Month? Would you? And also — what's the best, most inspiring or helpful or surprising writing advice you've ever heard?

(Photo: The beginning | My Instagram)