Are you a planner or a pantser?
I plan in my head, and sometimes my ideas make it to paper. Just call me a plantser.
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is just over one week away. The objective is to write a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. It breaks down to 1,667 words each day. To some, the task may sound daunting. To others, NaNoWriMo isn't much of a challenge. Whichever category you may fit under, this is the year to try NaNoWriMo.
I need to confess something.
I haven't participated in NaNoWriMo. I have, however, tried my hand at Camp NaNoWriMo (held every April and July). I had vague plans to count anything I wrote. I set myself up to fail, and fail I did.
Confession two: I didn't plan to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. Then, I had a story idea. Halfway through October. With no detailed plot. Here's my guide to NaNoWriMo success. (Based on what I plan to do and what works for everybody else.)
1. Plan your story.
As I mentioned before, I didn't have a solid story idea until halfway through October. Most of the people who win NaNoWriMo finish outlining before the beginning of November. Funny how that works, eh?
This week, I'm following the Hailstorm Approach. You can also try the Snowflake Method.
2. Create an inspiration board on Pinterest.
Pinterest makes everything easier. Inspirational quotes. Character style. Writing tips.
It's all there. (Because Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.)
3. Research, research, research!
If you can whip up a 50,000-word novel without researching anything, power to you. I don't have that level of confidence.
Sci-fi? Don't break the laws of physics or create technology that doesn't feel plausible to the reader.
Fantasy? World-building is essential. Explain the fantastical elements within your story.
Mystery? Don't mix up federal agencies. Don't let your character get away with breaking every law as they catch another law-breaker.
Research your genre.
4. Prepare your NaNoWriMo survival kit.
Find a box and fill it with every item you think you'll need on hand during November.
This may include:
- Drinks. Pick something you'll only drink while you write. (But also drink plenty of water. You can't afford to be dehydrated or sick.)
- Snacks. Try to keep it healthy. You can't set aside 30 apples, but you can choose nonperishable items like granola bars, dried fruit, or popcorn. (Sorry, extra buttery popcorn doesn't count as healthy.)
- Pens and paper. If you are easily distracted by the Internet, get your ideas on paper. Or, if you need to warm up before you start working on your story, try writing in a journal.
- Laptop. Eventually, you're going to want your words on the screen. Just remember to disconnect from the Internet while you're writing. The Internet is there to distract you, even when you're "researching."
5. Set specific times to write.
If you write best in the morning, wake up an hour earlier to get your words in. If you have a long lunch break, write during that time. If you're a night owl, swap your favorite TV show for your new favorite (and least favorite) hobby. After a few days, it will become a routine. You might even look forward to writing.
6. Participate in word sprints.
If you prefer to write in short bursts, follow @NaNoWordSprints on Twitter. You'd be surprised by how many words you can write in 30 minutes.
7. Join (or start) a writing group.
The NaNoWriMo website allows participants to find writing groups in different cities.
You can also start a writing group with your friends. They'll cheer you on as you meet your goals, and you can return the favor.
8. Watch videos to get inspired.
Don't use November as an excuse to binge watch a TV show.
If you're an introvert, you can find plenty of pep talks on YouTube. I always look forward to Kristina Horner's NaNoWriMo vlogs.
You can also stalk the following YouTube channels when your novel stumps you:
9. Get moving.
If it's too cold to run outside, join a gym or follow an online workout program. I recommend Fitness Blender due to their no-nonsense approach.
You'll be disappointed to know that I've barely scratched the surface.
Start planning!
