NaNoWriMo Survival Guide
National Novel Writing Month is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual NaNoWriMo writing challenge! If you’ve never heard of NaNoWriMo before, then I encourage you to head on over to their website for more information. If you’re already familiar with the challenge and are a bit anxious about the challenge, then here is a guide to make your NaNoWriMo experience go as smoothly as possible:
1. Plan Ahead: Outline your story, create character profiles, and have a general idea of your plot before November starts.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Determine how many words you need to write each day to reach the 50,000-word target and stick to it.
3. Establish a Writing Schedule: Find a daily writing routine that works for you, whether it's early morning, during lunch breaks, or late at night.
4. Minimize Distractions: Create a distraction-free writing environment, turn off notifications, and stay off social media while writing.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Don't worry about perfect prose; focus on getting words on the page. You can edit later.
6. Use Writing Sprints: Set a timer for 25-30 minutes and write as much as you can during that time. Take short breaks in between.
7. Reward Yourself: Treat yourself when you reach milestones to stay motivated, such as a favorite snack or a short break.
8. Connect with Fellow Writers: Join local or online writing groups to share your progress, get support, and participate in word sprints.
9. Don't Delete, Just Keep Writing: If you're not happy with a sentence or scene, don't delete it. Just keep writing and make notes for revisions later.
10. Stay Healthy: Remember to take breaks, stretch, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being contributes to better writing.
11. Avoid Self-Criticism: Your inner editor can be your worst enemy during NaNoWriMo. Silence it and keep writing.
12. Back Up Your Work: Regularly save and back up your writing to avoid losing progress.
13. Embrace Writer's Block: It's okay to hit a wall; use prompts or change scenes to get the creativity flowing again.
14. Utilize Writing Tools: Scrivener, Microsoft Word, or other writing software can help you stay organized.
15. Recharge: Take time to rest and recharge, so you don't burn out over the month.
16. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with friends or family who can encourage you and hold you accountable.
17. Celebrate Your Success: Whether you reach 50,000 words or not, finishing NaNoWriMo is an accomplishment, so celebrate your effort.
18. Edit Later: Remember that NaNoWriMo is about getting words on the page; you can edit and revise your novel in December.
19. Participate in NaNoWriMo Events: Attend write-ins, virtual meetups, and other NaNoWriMo events to stay engaged and motivated.
20. Have Fun!
May the WORDS be with you!