I finished my last novel, "Witch," in December and flush with success, I immediately began to invent my current WiP "Message in a Bottle." The first draft was dated December 13th. The story, structure and narration have gone through eight versions since then. I'm pleased with what I have now.
Unlike last years nanowrimo, when I was uncharacteristically regimented because my daughter's wedding was looming, I have done tons of prep work and preliminary drafts while I am, much more in character, less rigid in my approach. Last year's goal was to write a novel everyone could enjoy. This year, I don't care so much. I'm writing this novel for me. I like the sound of my voice.
It is a beautiful tale, in a modern La Boheme kind of way, beauty and humor in human foolishness and tragedy. The characters are flawed, including the unreliable narrator. There's lots of backstory burning between the lines. I'm going to love it.