Well, that was by far the hardest exercise yet.

It wasn't that way in previous years. In fact, for inspiration, I reread a plot-setup story that I did for a previous NaNo, and once again surprised myself with how good it was. But this one just wouldn't gel in the same way.

At first, I had in mind that I'd enter the contest this time, but as I struggled with getting the words down, I realized that wasn't going to happen. It got a bit easier after that. I guess you'll all just have to wait for the novel - unless I work up the courage to enter the final Contest Round.