Explaining NaNoWriMo and showing you how to succeed.

Only a Fool

NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month — an event where writers all over the world attempt to do what professionals generally take months, years, and even decades to accomplish: write a novel.

The official goal is to write 50,000 words in November. 1,667 words a day, 30 days in a row.

If you ask me, it’s borderline foolish. Especially if you don’t prepare.

But it can be worth it.

Should You Participate?

NaNo can significantly boost productivity if done correctly. Here’s a simple flow chart to help you decide if this event is right for you.

If you have even 30 minutes a day, I’d recommend joining the party. Lower your goal to something more reasonable for your current circumstances and stick to it! You’d be amazed at what 30 minutes of writing for 30 days in a row can yield.

How to Succeed

Succeeding in NaNoWriMo requires simple prep-work, a system for making time to write, and a whole lot of perseverance.

The Prep Work

If you’re a Plotter, you likely have your own system for planning a novel. Make sure it’s completed before November 1. Pansters, here’s what I recommend for prep:

Find a character that intrigues you and drop them into a premise that excites you.

I also recommend daydreaming throughout the day and thinking of possible routes you want to take with the story. Just having that rough skeleton will help when you sit down to knock out those first 1,667 words at the start of this coming month. Continue reading →