this counts as research, right?

I'm a somewhat extremely slow starter in the NANOWRIMO frenzy.

For those of you who aren't sure just what that is, a brief explanation - national novel writing month. Writers commit themselves to complete a 50,000 word novel beginning November 1 and finishing on or before November 30. When in all actuality, the "writers" themselves should be committed for thinking for a brief moment that this feat could be accomplished. And sadly some "writers" will be committed after attempting to squeeze in just a few more words each and every day.

Seriously, I signed up, of my own freewill, to do this. And I've talked three of my creative writing students into doing it also. What was I thinking?

For those writers who pace themselves, just over 1,600 words a day will complete a novel this month. Are you surprised to know that I haven't written 1,600 words a day? Are you even more surprised to know that I have written something? Just over 2,400 words. I'm 2 1/2 days behind.

And I'm going shopping today. I'm shopping in Little Rock. My main character is a bartender in Little Rock.

I do believe that my day will include a bar visit. I have to do it - I'm researching for my novel.