Before November if there's a open-ended writing assignment, check out how long it takes you to type 1,667 words when you're in the mood. Even with brief pauses to pull pets apart or off the keyboard, I can usually type a daily goal under an hour. If my preferred language is changed to simplified Chinese again - longer.

I have an advantage that I do hardly anything for Thanksgiving weekend, but you'll know in advance if your weekends and holidays are free enough to count on them to gain extra words or to work harder Monday through Friday to make up for your low expectations for other days.

Early birds have an advantage with daylight savings. What if they still get up at the same time but gain an hour?

Night owls can write when the kid are in bed and may be able to stay up slightly longer with daylight savings.

Set your DVR by the end of October. Maybe an episode of a show, 30 minute of Internet, or a reading a chapter can be your daily reward for making your word count goal.

Sharon