I finally reached 40k yesterday. I tried to write 6,000 words total, but after 3700, I just stopped and started watching a movie. Sometimes, when I’m writing, I’ll throw on a movie in the genre I’m writing, something I’ve watched a million times before, and write. Because it’s not something new to watch, I’m not tempted to watch it, yet the flavor of the movie seeps into my writing. I’m writing a science fiction novel, specifically a space opera, so I threw on the new DUNE movie. The background noise helps me write. I think that’s why I like coffee shops. The background noise. And it’s a chance to get out of the house.
Well, I got my 40k badge on the NaNoWriMo website, so I’m happy about that. I’m really going to push myself today. Get as many words as possible. I’m confident I’ll reach 50k by midnight Tuesday, but I just want to do my victory dance.
Andrew M. Friday 
One of my favorite things in writing is the way other stories seep in. I recently finished watching C.B. Strike, and the way it’s bled into my YA Fantasy novel was just so interesting to feel as it happened. I’ve noticed that different periods of my life are defined significantly by stories, both mine and others.