Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

I have always felt that writing is as much an art form, as it is a skill. Over the years, I have known many fellow writers, and perhaps a description that I could most deeply relate to was one person who said "I try to paint with words."

Just like most painters are typically trying to convey much more than just a pretty image, writers aren't just telling a story, but also trying to create a mood through their words. I've always admired those writers whose words are crafted in such a way that I can feel like I'm actually there, inside their story.

In my own small way, I aspire to accomplishing that. Whether I actually succeed remains to be seen.

Whereas I did participate in NaNoWriMo a few times, the main thing I learned from doing so was that I am far better at creating small vignettes of life, than a cohesive story. At first that was a bit distressing for me, but I have made peace with it.