Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Entertainment

How To Survive NaNoWriMo 2016

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? It is a pain in the butt, I know, but here are a few tips to help survive November.

Natalie Bennington

Nov 07, 2016

Cedar Crest College

Elenalinville

To all my buddies...

It's NaNoWriMo! Who knew that it would come so fast? It is a very stressful month for us but hey, at least we have left over candy from Halloween to fuel us and the anticipation of Thanksgiving to get our goals done!

For those who do not know what NaNoWriMo is and whoever wants to participate in it, November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Your goal for this month is to write a novel of 50,000 words throughout the month of November. If you reach 50,000 words on or before November 30th, you won NaNoWriMo! This isn't just about winning though. For some writers it is a way to get their writing done that they have been putting off, and for others it's for their own pleasure, to see what they can create from their own mind and put it out there in the world.

Now I believe it is a little late to start NaNoWriMo but if you think you can write 10,000 words to catch up then do it! Join the party!

NaNoWriMo is a wonderful challenge for writers of any age. It gives you a goal and makes you finish it. The best part is when November is all over and the stress of it all is lifted from your shoulders and now you have your very own story that you wrote (unless your me and its a rough, rough, rough draft!)

If you want to participate you are more than happy to go to nanowrimo.org and sign up to give yourself a challenge to finish your story.

Now here are some tips for my fellow NaNoWriMo peeps on how to survive this stressful month.

1. Candy!

Treat yourself and eat that left over candy from Halloween! It is a great energy booster for those late night writing sprints.

2. Coffee/tea

I love both coffee and tea but if I had to choose between one, it would be coffee (I have a problem; 4-6 cups a day is not good for you...but I still do it anyway!) Its a little warm up drink for that 1,667 calories or more for that day. If you start in the morning, you better have that delicious cup of what I call life and sanity right next to you.

3. Music

For me, music is what makes the scenes in my story come to life. It is also a great way to get your creative juices flowing! Any kind of music can help you think of that love scene or fighting scene (or a death of a character *wink wink*). Music is a great pick me up for writers block.

4. Do NOT, whatever you do, get distracted by the internet

I am a culprit of this and now I am 2,000 words behind (also, school got in the way but that's a different story. You have to go to work and school). Turn off those Facebook and Twitter notifications and stay off of Tumblr. Social Media is the reason why we do not get a lot of stuff done in time.

5. No matter how stressful this month is, know you are doing something for yourself and you should be happy about it.

You are finally putting that story to pen and paper (or word document) so give yourself some credit! Not many people have to motivation to. Be happy you are doing something for yourself, we do not do that all the time.

So remember, have fun, drink those copious amounts of caffine, listen to that writing playlist, and most of all feel good about doing it. You all deserve this month as a way to treat yourself and your creativity.

Happy NaNoWriMo!

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

Temple University

335

Verge Campus

Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

Emma Stone GIFfrom Emma Stone GIFs

Well all those fundraisers and marketing should would be a waste then wouldn't they?

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority girls

Lifestyle

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools

1449

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less

Lifestyle

11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

Bowling Green State University

969

thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

Keep Reading...Show less

ethnic name

Student Life

10 Thoughts We Have While Daydreaming In Class

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Monmouth University

459

day·dream (ˈdāˌdrēm/): a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.

Daydreams, the savior of our life in class. Every type of student in the classroom does it at least once, but most cases it is an everyday event, especially in that boring class -- you know the one. But what are we thinking while we are daydreaming?

Keep Reading...Show less

daydreaming

Politics and Activism

11 Things You Should Never Say To A Puerto Rican

Don't Be That Person

Bowling Green State University

11946

Jessica Pinero

Puerto Ricans. They are very proud people and whether they were born on the island or born in the United States by Puerto Rican parent(s). It gets even better when they meet another fellow Puerto Rican or Latino in general. You’ll know quickly if they are Puerto Rican whether the flag is printed somewhere on their person or whether they tell you or whether the famous phrase “wepa!” is said.

Keep Reading...Show less

puerto ricans

Recommended for you

How To Survive NaNoWriMo 2016

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? It is a pain in the butt, I know, but here are a few tips to help survive November.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Entertainment

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter