How to have a successful NANOWRIMO

 

NANOWRIMO

Are you ready? NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth (NANOWRIMO) is an organization and program established to support and encourage authors in writing their books. IT is a free organization that provides resources and gifts from sponsors that will help you in your journey to becoming an author, or adding more books to your list.

With a goal of 50,000 words in order to “win” this challenge is not for the weak. Writing 50,000 words can put you solidly on your way to a completed first draft.

For some people, 50,000 words in a month is no big deal. For others, it’s massive. If you’re working a full-time job, a parent, or just really committed to a lot in your personal life, finding the time to commit to writing is challenging. Particularly in November – with Thanksgiving (US) and holiday insanity.

Here are some tips to help you have a successful NANOWRIMO.

1 – Actually register and sign up at NANOWRIMO. You’ll receive emails and communication with tips and opportunities to join local groups, that actually meet in person to write.

2 – Set up your profile, add your book description, and make a real commitment to accomplishing the 50,000 words. Then start adding buddies so that you have people to cheer you on!

3 – Write out you outline and a basic synopsis. This doesn’t have to be perfect – no way! But give yourself a little bit of help so that you’re not trying to go for 50,000 words in the blind! Take 15-20 minutes and decide two things: how will the book end? and what major things will happen to get it to that point? Naturally, these things can change. But having a specific goal will help you get there!

4 – Join a community! Whether it’s a local group of writers, a NANO established community or one you find elsewhere, having accountability buddies and a support network WILL help you succeed. Especially if you’re competitive. It REALLY motivates me to compete with others to make sure I get done… and to be held accountable. We’ve just established a NANOWRIMO challenge for my Write.Publish.Sell peeps. Come join us! We’ll have some giveaways, some “live online” meetups, and other ways to encourage you. Sign up for NANOWRIMO with WPS here.

5 – Look at your calendar now and block off writing time. Plan on it taking about an hour to write 1000-1500 words. So, to write 50,000, you need about 34 hours, optimistically. You might write a lot faster than that. Aim for blocking off 30 hours, however you want.

6 – Use a word tracker! NANOWRIMO provided this Blank word tracker a few years ago. I find it very helpful!

7 – Use the NANOWRIMO website! THere are some fun tools on there. It’s really cool to update your word count and see where you are. They have gifts from sponsors and other prizes if you “win” – which is meeting your 50,000 word count, whether you’ve completed your draft or not. The website also has a great library on NANOWRIMO prep videos, posts, etc. 

8 – GET EXCITED! This is FUN you guys! I can’t wait to hit 50K again!

I hope you’ll join us on our challenge. This can be really, really overwhelming, or it can be a lot of fun. Let’s go with FUN!