I used to think I was disciplined and organized.
Used to because NaNoWriMo kicked me in my ample butt and showed me many things have to change if I want to ever become a "real" writer.
I did not write 50,000 words. I may have written 10% of that.
Okay.
Coming clean ... 5%.
I started off strong and positive. Alas it was not to be. There are many reasons for this failure not the least of which is commonly referred to as my life! I have to admit that writing with a gun to your head is not condusive to being your most creative. It really zaps the joy of the writing process. For me. Some might thrive in an environment of crushing creative deadlines - as I do with my scrapbooking, but not with my writing. At all.
Early on in the month I was learning about my weaknesses and through that experience I discovered a brilliant writing tool that I may just gift myself. At least it will keep me organized and it will be easier to pick up where I left off when I (inevitably) have to leave something for sometimes up to a week!
Do I feel like I failed? You betcha. By that same token it didn't stop me from learning some valuable lessons. For that alone the experience was definitely worth it.
Sometimes we learn more from our failure than from our success.
ETA: I have not given up my keyboard! I am participating in #reverb10 and have my first entry up on my new mini-blog. Come on over and say "hi". Better yet? Join in and leave me a link to your entry!