In preparation for writing my novel in November, I have

• Begun telling as many people as I can that I am participating in NaNoWriMo so that if/when I fail the mockery and embarrassment will be crushing and painful.
• Read “No Plot? No Problem! A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days” by Chris Baty. Thank goodness this isn’t one (a problem) because I don’t got one (a plot).
• Begun “Letters to a Young Novelist” by Mario Vargas Llosa (that showed up thoughfully in my mailbox… thank you M.W. for the inspiration).
• Purchased a lovely bright yellow notebook for, well, random notes; plan to “borrow” office accoutrements from work (if anyone from work is reading this, I do intend to put back everything I borrow…really); and have designated a favorite marking pen for outlining a plot when I actually come up with one.

Suppose I’ll have to leave the rest to spontaneity.