So you’ve decided to participate in National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo this year, the only problem is now you don’t know where to start. As a third-year participant, I thought I’d give you some advice so that you won’t dig yourself into the same holes that I have in years past. Now if you’re anything like me you are looking at November with a mixture of fear and eagerness. You’re ready to pick up that pen and write out the next New York Times Best Seller, but like any good writer you want to prepare before diving in head first. That's why I have 10 tips to make your month-long writing journey a tad bit easier, and without further ado let's get started.
1. Pick a Genre
First things first, pick a genre that you feel strong in. Unless you truly want to test the limits of your writing skills, I wouldn't suggest deciding to take this time to write in a genre you don't like. Personally, I love sci-fi, but quite frankly I never have that "super original" idea that I can be proud of, so I usually like to take the month of November to push my boundaries and finish one of the teen fiction books I started during the summer. Since I know that this will be one of the only months I truly have to pursue writing before soccer restarts and midterms, I try and use my time wisely.2. Don't Edit as you Work!!
I know that I am speaking to my own inner perfectionist when saying that NaNoWriMo is not the time to edit while writing. If you choose to write 50,000 words, then you are agreeing to write around 1,667 words per day. Meaning that unless you are doing this full time, you truly don't have time to waste on editing back your work. As many other writers will tell you; use November to just write and wait until December to polish your manuscript up.
3. Create an Outline
I suggest the “three-act-play” method in which there are three major events that transport your character from one point to another. In basic terms, you have three disasters: the entry into the unknown for the first act, one low point that occurs in the second act and a giant finale or cliffhanger for the last act. This is probably the easiest and quickest method to building your book right off the ground, especially for beginners.
4. Figure out Characters
Figuring out characters can mean anything from writing out the names and looks of your characters, to deciding that their favorite food is peanut butter waffles. Having a basic set of knowledge about each of your main characters and their supporting cast can come in handy later on when you are trying to write out conversations between characters.
5. Create a list of Settings
Just like characters the6. Write a One Sentence Synopsis
One of the easiest ways to come up with a plot for a story is to write a one-sentence summary. Whenever I try this I always end up with more than I bargained for, which is great! Not only are my creative juices flowing out, but now I have the bare bones of the story ready to be sewn together throughout November.
7. Decide your level of commitment.
As I said above many people, including me cannot actually reach NanoWriMo’s goal of 50,000 words. Whether it be because you had a midlife crisis or a project worth 65% of your overall grade--a lot of people overestimate the amount of time that they will actually devote to writing for NaNoWriMo. Please don't make the mistake that I made last year and set your goal at 50,000 words when in retrospect you didn't have the time to write more than 25,000.8. Check out NaNoWriMo’s Website
Not only is it free to use, it will later serve as a great pick-me-up and resource on those days you just don’t want to write. If you're interested, their website is right here.
9. Have your writing playlist created!
Personally, music is one of the only things that can help me write better, especially if I'm in a slump. Which is why I would definitely suggest either creating a playlist on whatever music platform you use or listening to the pre-created ones found on Spotify or Amazon. I personally love to listen to coffee shop blues or anything instrumental (so that I write more than I jam out).
10. Have a group around you!
I can attest to the fact that it is much more enjoyable to write with others than by yourself. Especially in this type of situation where you are trying to reach a goal on a hard deadline. The NaNoWriMo community is one of the friendliest groups I have ever been around. With many members creating clubs that meet anywhere from libraries to Starbucks, just so that people like you and me can have a good experience.
I hope these tips help you during the month of November, and as always happy writing!
