I have this great idea for a creative non-fiction book, and at the moment I really fancy writing that in November. There's a problem, though: "We define a novel as "a lengthy work of fiction." Beyond that, we let you decide whether what you're writing falls under the heading of "novel." In short: If you believe you're writing a novel, we believe you're writing a novel too."
Well, I don't believe I write a novel. Now there's a dilemma.
According to the plan I made months ago, today would mark the official start of the NaNoWriMo season. According to the same plan, I would have finished editing my 2007 novel by now, send it to a few trusted first readers and wait for their reactions.
The plan also says that I have to think about my next novel from today on because I have to be ready to pour it out in three months. I managed to pull one out of my hat last year, but it's a wild, unruly beast and making it presentable takes more strength than I currently have. I have no intention of creating another monster like it.
So this is the part of the plan to which I have to stick. I have to be brutal: no plan, no novel. No excuses.