NaNo - Woes & to Knows
Start writing a post
Entertainment

NaNo - Woes & to Knows

Veteran or noob, National Novel Writing Month is upon us - let the word count start.

9
NaNo - Woes & to Knows
Enric Fradera

NaNoWriMo, otherwise known as National Novel Writing Month, has officially begun. However, if you haven’t recently lost a friend to a computer or laptop, you probably are only vaguely - or not even at all - aware of its existence. National Novel Writing Month takes place on November first and ends on November 30th. Writers from all over the world are invited to freely sign up and attempt to type a novel with a minimum of 50,000 words during this time period.

That’s about 1,667 words each day, for thirty days.

Whether you are a veteran or a beginner, this task at first will seem doable. You and a million others are excited to enthusiastically start typing away. You practically have a plethora of ideas and interminable energy. But when the days begin to stretch, you will doubtlessly begin to regret joining this self-imposed nightmare. However, it’s okay. You subconsciously knew that this regret was going to sneak in sooner or later. So just think about the end result. Feel accomplished and in the words of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle, remember to:

NaNoWriMo can be an enjoyable experience. It disciplines and prepares you for future deadlines, and writing other papers will almost seem like no hassle at all; you will have written a novel in a month – you will basically become Superman/Wonder Woman when it comes to papers. Besides that, you get bragging rights for accomplishing such a feat in the first place, because not many would ever dare try such task. Whether it is because they aren’t able to or are sane enough to preserve their sanity, just know that you are unique for even trying to tackle a project like this.

Saying that, it is also common knowledge that you would still rather avoid the slumps and stress that can come with writing a novel in a month. Well worry not, because here’s a few tips to aid you in your writing.

First and foremost, make sure you have a plot in mind before November hits. Going with your “gut” might work, but for the most part, you are better off having a nice general plot stored in your head. Not to say that you should restrict yourself to it, deviating from what you originally have mapped out is fine, but going in completely directionless as to where you want your novel to go will ultimately prove very challenging - especially when you encounter that infamous, “Writer’s Block.”

Also, refrain yourself from analyzing your story too deeply and going crazy with the grammar. The primary goal of each day is to meet the word count while subsequently making sure you’re on track with where you want your story to go. Proofreading anything you’ve written in the past day or hour can prove detrimental to both your progress and mental health. You will inevitably cringe and glower at some plot holes and grammatical errors, but it is best to save that revision time for when November is finished. Typing around 1,600 words a day is tough as it is, and no one is going to expect you to have a perfect novel by the end of the month. (Unless you are some kind of writing wiz, that is.)

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should have a confidant to support and hear you out during this journey. Mutely screaming at your screen or agonizing about your novel to random people in the local café will not help alleviate the stress or burden that you may feel along the way. Take advantage of the NaNoWriMo community forums and find others to share the pressure with. Who knows? Talking to others may even inspire you.

But lastly, just enjoy.

NaNoWriMo isn’t a necessary obligation that you should trade over for other responsibilities. If you are a few hundred behind the daily word count, then just let it be. Don’t let the novel control your life – let your life control the novel! Find inspiration in the daily things you do and write only when you have time, even if it that means just a few sentences typed on your phone.

So breathe, relax, and most importantly –



write on.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59163
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38234
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959701
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196942
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments