#NaNoWriMo Completed at 112,242 Words!

The NaNoWriMo challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in the 30 days of November. I decided right at the start that 50,000 words was insufficient for a novel. Usual word length is from 80,000 to 130,000, so I set myself a target of 120,000 words, knowing I would end up with enough for me to edit my first draft down to a reasonable length. Of course, you can't realistically set a specific number of words for a finished novel, so my target was always intended as an aim and dependent on the way the story actually took me.
Well, I've finished the story and it's ended at 112,242 words, which seems a pretty good working total. I knew, when I started writing this morning, that I was close to the end of the story, but couldn't tell how close. But the 6,220 words I've penned today have done the job and I'm happy with the result. It means I've finished with a couple of days to spare, which is great, since I've other things to do.
Wordle has provided me with visual guides to my repeated words, and I'll be able to use those graphics when I start the editing process in a few weeks from now. I always leave created work for a while, to mature, before I return to start the extensive and comprehensive process of editing it into something that will eventually be publishable.
This writing challenge has been a great way to regenerate my creative muscles after a period during which I've spent a lot of time and effort building a network of interested people, some of whom will hopefully read and review the finished work once I've readied it.
To those who've followed and encouraged me along this route, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Writing is a lonely and isolated experience and the help and interest of others is a great boost.
To those continuing with their own challenge I say, carry on. It's worth it for the feeling of complete satisfaction, knowing you took on the challenge and fulfilled it. Keep going.