For me, fall is all about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), with the prep happening in October (and even earlier for those super planners) and the writing occurring in November.

Yesterday I wrote about the three types of NaNoWriMo writers—planners, pantser, and plantsers. Where planners and plantsers spend the month of October prepping for November. And pantser spend October thinking they have plenty of time before November 1 and then panic on the actual day.

Despite my wishful thinking and good intentions, I remain a pantser.

I know! I just said yesterday that I had done some planning. But every year, I fall into the pantsers bucket. I was determined that this year would be different. This year, I did have some ideas. This year, I was going to move from a pantser bucket to the plantsers bucket.

Well, you know what they say about good intentions.

So here we are. November 1. Today begins NaNoWriMo. To reach the 50,000 word goal by November 30, a writer must write a minimum of 1,667 words each day.

My first thought this morning when I looked at my calendar and saw the November 1 date glaring at me was: Holy fish nuggets! Today is November 1! What happened to October? And what the fork am I going to write?!

I started off the morning staring at a completely blank page. (I’m writing in a notebook this year and carrying it with me everywhere so I can write wherever and whenever inspiration hits. Of course, inspiration always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when I’m driving or in the shower or at 4:00am.)

I did write some notes last month. But, well, the scant notes I wrote are failing to help me.

Granted, it is only the first day and the day isn’t over yet.

Anyway, that got me thinking about my NaNoWriMo prep process. Or really, the lack thereof. And despite my best efforts, I remain a pantser and continue to admire the planners. So in the spirit of procrastinator solidarity, thought, I thought I’d share my October NaNoWriMo prep process:

As you can see, I have great intentions on October 1. But then I seem to spend the entirety of October in a blissful haze of books, crafts, and puzzles, believing I have more time than I really do to prep for NaNoWriMo. And as it always does, October flies by and I start November 1 once again with a blank notebook. No outline, maybe one line or two of notes. But that’s it. Not enough to really move from pantser to plantser.

So, if you are participating in NaNoWriMo 2017 and are facing November 1 with a blank notebook (or blank word document), fear not! You are not alone!

We will unite in our mutual procrastination.

Or at least, we will unite . . . in a bit . . . when we’ve finished reading/crafting/puzzling/etc.

What is your NaNoWriMo prep process? Share your tips and advice in the comments below.