Last November, I participated in and completed National Novel Writing Month, a challenge to writers across the world to complete a 50,000+ word draft of a novel during the month of November. I went into it with a vague idea and a lot of hesitancy, and I came out a disciplined writer with a complete first draft of a novel. During the month of April, NaNoWriMo puts out another challenge to writers called Camp NaNoWriMo in which writers can select their own goals and track their progress on a novel or any other writing project with the support of fellow writers. Challenging yourself to any type of writing goal isn’t easy. Here are eight tips for those tackling the Camp NaNoWriMo challenge this month or any other type of writing project in general:
1. Choose a word count goal that works with your day-to-day schedule.
In a world that is constantly on the go with more things to be done than time to do them, squeezing in time to write every day can be tricky. Making a goal for yourself that is reasonable for your schedule is important. Writing should be the exciting part of your day; it shouldn't feel like a chore to be checked off.
2. Pick a time of day to devote to your writing and stick with it.
Early morning was my favorite time to write during the NaNoWriMo challenge: my mind was fresh and alert, and I knew I'd always have time to get it in. Whatever time your creative juices are flowing, make that your writing time and prioritize it. Setting aside the same chunk of time each day makes you more likely to stick with it and get those words on the page.
3. Find a place to write that inspires you.
Some people have a favorite corner of a coffee shop; others thrive in the serene silence of the library. I love to write at the antique desk in my bedroom staring out the window. Similar to finding a time of day that works for you, finding a place to do your writing helps you get into writer's mode and frees you from distractions.
4. Even if it sounds like complete garbage in your head, just keep writing.
One of the biggest things that hold aspiring novelists back is the hesitancy of waiting until the exact right phrases come to mind. The beautifully written aesthetic prose is great, but not when it holds you back from getting your ideas out there. Focus on churning out ideas now and making it sound pretty later; chances are you'll come back and realize the first way you had it didn't sound so bad after all.
5. Be ready to write your thoughts down at a moment’s notice.
You may put your laptop away after you hit your daily word count goal, but your brain will be constantly picking over your story. Sometimes the best ideas come when you're in the checkout line of the grocery store or sitting in class. Write them down quickly because sometimes they slip away as fast as they come to you.
6. When you get writer’s block, spend some time people watching.
A stranger's expressive mannerisms might be exactly the extra detail you need to make your main character stand out. The best novels tell a story about the human experience, and there's no better inspiration for that than getting out there and watching what people experience.
7. Don’t get caught up in the little details at first.
Planning out what you want to write is great, but when it comes time to do the writing it's best to let it flow. Trying to hit your word count goal and fill in minor details of your outline will likely overwhelm you and leave you unmotivated to keep pace with your writing goals. You can always go back and change the main character's sister's middle name.
8. When the challenge is over, celebrate everything you accomplished—even if you didn’t meet your goals.
Even if you don't make the goals you set for yourself, you took a step closer toward the bigger picture goal: writing a novel. The whole purpose of doing Camp NaNoWriMo or any other writing challenge is to motivate you to write, and whether that's one word or 50,000, you did just that.
