And NaNoWriMo is here again by Wendy H. Jones
Apologies for the late arrival of this blog this week. I've got some huge issues going on in my personal life, so my brain has been taken up with sorting those out. Before anyone panics, I am okay, and everything is sortable - it will just take some time Anyway, not only is 1st November the day I was due to do my blog but, also, the day National Novel Writers Month - or NaNoWriMo - starts. Talking of starting, I had my start as a writer on 1st November 10 years ago, when I started NaNoWriMo, so it's an anniversary of sorts. All this in one blog, even if it is late. So, as I step into NaNoWriMo once more this got me thinking about how I could help others who are tackling it alongside me. What are my tip tips?
1. Many people think they really are tackling NaNoWriMo, as though it was some sort of mountain to be climbed or problem to be tackled. It's time for a rethink and a change of mindset. It is not a challenge but an opportunity to write consistently every day for 30 glorious days.
2. Another thing many people get hung up on is the perfection of their writing. This slows them down and they feel they have to battle to get the words on paper. In the words of writers since time immemorial - just write. The month for editing manuscripts is December. In fact let's rename December as National Novel Editing Month - or NaNoEdMo.
3. Talking of words. Don't get too hung up on them. What, I hear you say? Yes, you need to write 1667 words a day but you can always play catch up. Now, I am not advocating you let them slip day by day until you discover you have to write 32,000 words in the last two days. But, remember, life happens.
4. Breathe. This can be when you are stressing about word count but can also be used to aid focus before you start. Take some deep breaths and know you have got this.
5. You really do have this. Believe in yourself. You can do it.
6. Reward yourself. If you have a good day, reward yourself with a bubble bath or some chocolate or a glass of wine. *other treats are available*
7. Reward yourself. If you've had a bad day you still deserve a treat for having got through the day.
8. Immerse yourself in your writing. Put fingers to keyboard or pen to paper and write. The words will come.
9. Write in groups. Join your local NaNoWriMo group. Meet up with your friends. Join inline NaNoWriMo groups. I write every day with friends from Sisters in Crime National and also my local SinC chapter.
10. Enjoy yourself. Writing should be fun and not misery.
11. Don't give up. If you miss a day, go back to it the next day. NaNoWriMo is littered with those who give up because they feel they will never catch up.
12. Remember, if you write consistently every day for 30 days, you will have achieved more than you would have done otherwise.
Good luck to all those who are participating. If you haven't signed up, there is still time to do so. So, why not join us.
What's your top tip for NaNoWriMo? Please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear it.
About the Author
Wendy H Jones is the multi award-winning, Amazon #1 international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. Her Young Adult Mystery, The Dagger’s Curse was a finalist in the Woman Alive Readers' Choice Award. She is also the retired President of the Scottish Association of Writers, an international public speaker, and runs conferences and workshops on writing, motivation and marketing. She is the Editor in Chief of Mom's Favorite Reads Magazine and is currently in the process of producing Writers' Narrative a new magazine for writers, the first edition of which will be published in August 2023. She is also a partner in Auscot Publishing and Retreats an international publishing and writing retreat organisation. Wendy is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Services.
Great advice Wendy, thanks. Wishing you every blessing as you get your issues resolved.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I needed a boost and a sense of, 'Yes you too can do it.'
ReplyDeleteI've just started NaNoWriMo for the first time so this was very timely! Helpful advice as always Wendy.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I did Nanowrimo once and di find it helpful. Now, it doesn't work for me, as November always seems so busy. It doesn't work for everyone. I often look at Lewis and Tolkien and think, Lewis would have loved it and Tolkien would have hated it. Both were great writers with different approaches.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Wendy. Did you really only start 10 years ago? That makes me feel a bit better.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your advice Wendy! I might sign up for nanowrimo now - I haven't yet. I could use this as novel editing month as I have new plans to sharpen up my latest novel/WIP. (Sheila aka SC Skillman)
ReplyDeleteI’m thrilled to see you can set your own target this year. I’m doing it to push me back into the habit of writing regularly. Life keeps getting in the way! Annie Try
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