It's almost November, which means for writers across the globe its almost time for one of the longest but one of the most rewarding times of the year, NaNoWriMo. NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is an annual race against the clock to build your word count to 50,000 words from November 1st to the 30th.
Sound easy?
Think again.
Between writer's block and life in general still going on in November, especially with school, work and the holidays, WriMo's everywhere have a lot of difficulty making that 50,000 word mark at the end of the month.
For the ones who do, it's one of the best feelings in the world. You've written an entire novel in a month. Many people can't do that in one year!
To prepare for this month, there are plenty of tips out there to keep motivation going, but in the end it's up to the writer to keep going all thirty days. Even so, there are ways to prepare even with that November 1st date coming quickly!
1.) Have a main character in mind.
This doesn't mean you need to know everything about your character. Do you know if you want him to be a football player or a valiant superhero, or is she a fiersome sorceress or a "damsel" who saves herself and completely destroys the common fairytale plot? That's a good start, and all you really need. The rest can come with the telling of the story and the introduction of supporting characters.
2.) Tell the story.
This is not about being perfect. You have thirty days to write fifty thousand words. This is no time to be a perfectionist, you'll have time for that once you're finished and can edit the story.
3.) Remember the first draft is you telling yourself the story.
Again, don't try to be perfect here. NaNoWriMo is about telling that story that you have in you because it deserves to be told. Write notes to yourself if you just can't seem to get the words out right, but don't edit it. Keep going, just get the story out. Who knows, maybe the ideas will change as the month progresses.
4.) Have a writing playlist ready to go.
For me, listening to music that matches the scene I'm writing helps immensely. Whether it's a sad scene or a fight scene, the right background music can make the right words pour out. Just be careful that you don't spend too much time jamming out to your playlist rather than writing!
5.) Don't forget to update your word count on the website!
It would be awful to get 50,000 words and then not have that satisfaction of seeing it on the website. Update your word count, it's so important!
6.) Remember that if you don't get all 50,000 words, you've started a novel!
No matter what, no matter how many words you end up whether it's fifteen or forty thousand, you've begun the journey to becoming a novelist. You started a novel, and honestly that's what National Novel Writing Month is all about.
Now get out there, laptops and pens at the ready with plenty of coffee or tea by your side, and get writing! You have a story worth telling, after all!
