NaNoWriMo...
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, and it's basically the novelist version of Christmas. Every year writers from all over the world embark on a creative journey to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. It's a whirlwind, to be sure, but it's the most fun whirlwind you'll ever experience in your entire life! Writing on your own is one thing, and it's very possible to get a lot done that way. But you will never experience the true beauty of writing until you're up at 1am typing like fire with thousands of other writers across the globe. It's a sort of magic that can't quite be put into words.
If you make the decision to join me on this crazy wonderful journey this November, I promise you will not regret it. But, in order to make this the best experience possible, I decided to make a list of tips and tricks I've learned over my four years of experience with this creative mad-dash.
*Also, a note to teachers and homeschool moms, NaNoWriMo has student kits that can be used to turn it into a classroom activity for English credit. I did it for a school project two years in a row, and it was incredible! My whole family is participating this year, and I'm so excited! Keep reading for more info on that.*
1. Determine if you want to join the Adult Program or the Young Adult Program.
NaNoWriMo actually has two different websites. In the Young Adult program, those 17 and younger can sign up and choose their own word count goal for the month of November. This program also has an option for teachers to sign up their classroom as a group. That way teachers can track the progress of their students and see if they're keeping up with their goals. Worksheets are available as well, for curriculum purposes.
Check it out here: http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
Once you turn 18, you have to join the Adult program. But writers younger than 18 can join this program as well. In the Adult program you can't choose your own word count goal. The goal for everyone is automatically set to 50,000 words. Don't be freaked out by that though. Even if you don't hit that goal, you'll still get a lot of writing done while you try, and that's the point anyway!
Website: http://nanowrimo.org/
2. Sign up and get your novel page set up ASAP!
The sooner you do this, the more time you'll have to think on what you'll be writing about. Signing up is pretty easy, and it doesn't take a whole lot of time to establish your novel either. Get it done early and start the month off right!
3. Are you a Planner or a Pantser?
In other words, are you going to make a detailed plan before you write your novel this year? Or are you going to fly by the seat of your pants and make it up as you go? I'm a Pantser all the way. I find that not knowing what's going to happen next helps me write more from the character's point of view. Figure out which one you are and prepare accordingly. Whether you're a planner or a pantser, make sure you print out NaNoWriMo's prep packet! It has questionnaires and writing tips to help you along the way.
4. Get yourself a late-night-motivation stash.
Every year one of my favorite ways to prepare for NaNoWriMo is to pick out some of my favorite snacks, candies, and drinks to stock up for those nights when I need a little burst of energy. Suddenly you'll find yourself very excited to stay up late sticking to your word goal, believe me! Some of my favorites are things that have a little sugar buzz, but also have a taste that'll keep me awake. Chai, sparkling water, any type of ginger candy, York peppermint patties, and sour gummies are just a few examples. Of course, coffee and chocolate covered espresso beans are a plus as well.
5. Find a space.
The hardest thing for me every year isn't figuring out what to write about. It's figuring out WHERE to write. It has to be convenient. Comfortable, but not so much that I fall asleep. I need access to an electric outlet for my computer. Close vicinity to coffee is always helpful. Identify a place where you can write efficiently, and make a mental note of it for when November 1st rolls around.
6. Promise to ignore your inner editor, and MEAN IT.
This one is always ridiculously hard for me. If I type a sentence and it's not just as it's supposed to be, forcing myself to move on and not correct it is basically torture. But if I obsess over that one sentence for too long, that takes time away from other scenes I could be writing. Shoving off that editor in your head is essential if you want to finish on time!
7. Look up lots of writing memes...
You've gotta do something when you hit the procrastination phase of the writing process.
8. Follow NaNoWriMo Word Sprints on Twitter. DO IT.
Seriously, if you're looking for the best writing motivator ever, follow Word Sprints. They set up little timed sprints specifically for NaNo writers, and it's a blast! Just check Twitter, and wait until you see a tweet like "Going for 5 minutes at 3:30". Once the 5 minutes start, you write as much as you possibly can before time is up. Then everyone can tweet their word count or a snippet of dialogue. They often include challenges and writing prompts as well, and since the sprint leader changes up all the time, there's always something new going on.
My favorite is when they do the #NaNoHouseCup. For those of you who like Harry Potter, they do word sprints with a Hogwarts theme. At the end of each time you post your word count along with your house. They tally them up and announce the winning house for that week. Then, at the end of the month, the house cup is awarded to the house with the most words written. It's insanely fun, and I've gotten way better word counts since I started! (By the way, Ravenclaw won last year. Wit beyond measure...just saying.)
9. Attend a Write-In
When you sign up for NaNoWriMo there's an option to enter your region, and I strongly suggest you do this. If you find your region on the list, check to see if there are local meetings and events in your area! Some regions have kick off parties, special events, and weekly writing sessions. If you like writing in groups, definitely take advantage of this! Some events even include prizes, and it's a great way to meet other writers along the way.
10. ENJOY YOURSELF.
The whole point of NaNoWriMo is to be creative, passionate, and "all in" for your novel. Besides, the reason we start writing in the first place is because we love it so much, so let that shine through! If you find you're bored, frustrated, or stressed about it, switch it up! Change the direction of your current story, or maybe change the story altogether. Just keep breathing and have a good time!
And don't forget, you can catch up on sleep in December *wink*
If you have any questions about NaNoWriMo, feel free to ask! And let me know if you're planning on accepting the challenge. Maybe I'll see you at a Write-In this November!
