Last month when perusing Facebook I saw a post from a fellow pastor promoting NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Actually, he was taking a spin on it and asked if anyone would like to participate in NaTheoWriMo (National Theology Writing Month). The goal is to write a novel or book over the course of November that equals 50000 words (approximately 1667 words a day).
As pastors, we write an awful lot during the week and with sermons, newsletter articles, correspondences, and various other writings I am sure that most pastors write several thousands words over the course of a week. I saw this as a challenge and thought that for sure it may be something that I would love to participate in because there are some ideas that I have been wanting to get to paper/computer. I have wanted to try my hand at writing a novel (possibly Biblically based), as well as something theological in nature as I share my story of being called into this crazy and wonderful profession as pastor.
I got as far as thinking through a book, a theological memoir perhaps, with a working title and the direction it may go. However, reality also hit, and I have realized that I am only two months into my new call and there are some other things that I also must commit myself to as I build relationships with the people that we are now living among. So, NaNoWriMo, I am not forgetting about you, and I may actually continue getting some thoughts to screen but my focus at this time is directed to the people that have called me to serve them as their pastor. Next November I may have new stories to share and thoughts to get out that I will not want to forget. Until then I still am looking forward to the challenge.