“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Two days left. Come Tuesday morning, NaNoWriMo 2015 will be behind us, win or lose. Today, though, we write. We write because that’s what we set out to do, to reach 50,000 words by the end of November or get as close as we possibly can. A lot of folks have already validated their novels, hit the magical 50,000 mark and stopped because that’s what they set out to do. Finished or not, they wrote their words and will get their winner goodies.

If you’re reading this, you’re either a) still frantically trying to reach 50,000 words or b) your story’s not done yet. What’s more, you know it isn’t done and you know it may likely not be done by the end of day tomorrow, no matter your word count.

For a lot of people, the doing of the thing is enough. They’ve always wanted to see if they could actually do this writing thing and this has given them a chance to try. A lot of the NaNoWriMo social life revolves around coffee shops, the chance to be one of those people typing away on something that is obviously not school or work. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that and if the doing of the thing is what makes you happy, do the thing and enjoy. Writing is first and foremost for yourself; there’s no other reason to put yourself thorugh this torture otherwise.

For those who are looking beyond the finish line and to what comes next, take heart. You’re not alone. Writing isn’t just 30 days in November; it’s a calling to tell the stories inside you.

The words, of course, are ones every storyteller knows well: Once upon a time…

The images are from Loki: Agent of Asgard #17, written by Al Ewing, art by Lee Garbrett, colors by Antonio Fabella, lettering and production by VC Clayton Cowles. I recommend the series, but I highly recommend this issue even if you’re not a comics fan. It’s a wonderful meditation on stories and the power they hold and have always held.

Stories can change the world, because they present an idea that sparks the imagination of those around us or fills a need we didn’t even know we had. They can be, as Loki says, magic.

We’re almost home. Let’s make some magic today.

All images copyright 2015 by Marvel Comics. All rights reserved.