November is when many creative people attempt to write a novel in a single month. Because of this I decided to do an oracle card reading for the world using a deck that serves a double purpose. You can use it for regular divination, or to prompt ideas for books, short stories or roleplaying game scenarios. The set is called The Citadel, and each of the cards represents a character in a fantasy world.
For this reading, The Forgotten revealed itself. The words on the card say: "Missed opportunities. Fear of Failure." Those are feelings common to writers, but especially in November. If you aren't taking part in one of the many authorship challenges you might be feeling you left it too late and missed an opportunity. If you're half way through but struggling, fear of failure is likely your biggest worry.
The message could be appropriate for any project you're doing or wish you'd been involved with; not necessarily penning a novel. Whatever it is, if you feel this way, please read on because the longer message in the book that comes with the set offers a way forwards. It describes a forlorn figure wandering through a crowd of happy people, but overlooked.
"The Forgotten does not speak, nor hear, nor even see; they are so certain they have nothing to give the world that the do not even try.
"The social pressure to say and do the right thing is so overwhelming, and no one gets it right every time. Don't allow the fear of making a mistake stop you from trying at all... or you'll find yourself isolated from the very company you crave. Be aware of what is causing you this anxiety, and turn the negative energy into something constructive."
I'll let you into a secret. I started doing the Reedsy Novel Sprint 2026. It isn't the first time I've written a book, of course, but I know I'm a slow writer and it generally takes me several months to complete a first draft. Nevertheless, I'm envious of those who can type thousands of words every day. I also liked the freebies and potential prizes Reedsy is offering for those who complete the challenge. I worked really hard in the first week, but soon realised the pace wasn't for me. I decided to not bust a gut to reach the 50k words target in a month, but instead work at the book more slowly.
I felt a failure though. I dropped off the chat boards and considered not attending the free workshops and write-ins Reedsy offers throughout the 30 days. I felt like one of the Forgotten. Seeing this card has changed my mind. I can still be part of the community. I can cheer others on, and benefit from feedback and encouragement to write, even if I'll probably only have 20k words completed by the end of the month. That's better than no words at all.
I'm going to end this post with a small plug for the novel I wrote even though it took me six months. Erosion is a Gothic novel, but it's also about the importance of friendship. It's published by Moon Books, and can be viewed on Amazon.
(Please note: I earn commission from some links)
Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/books-my-gothic-novel-erosion-is-one.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/06/sacred-traveler-solstice-divination.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/09/an-equinox-tarot-card-for-world-five-of.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/10/tarot-for-world-time-to-defeat-giant.html
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