NaNoWriMo Tips and Tricks
It’s that time of the year again: National Novel Writing Month, an annual event that challenges writers to write 50,000 words (!!!) in the month of November. Now, this may seem daunting, but as someone who’s doing it for the second time this year, I promise you it’s also a lot of fun.
The challenge NaNoWriMo presents is: how could I possible write that many words in just one month? It does seem like a lot (and it is), but let’s take a look at it mathematically. The official goal is 50,000 words, and there are 30 days in November. That’s about 1,667 words a day, or slightly under 3.5 single-spaced pages. Realistically, you’ll also have more time over Thanksgiving break to make up for busier weekdays. With the logistics out of the way, let’s look at the true fun of NaNoWriMo: the writing!
As someone whose head is always buzzing with ideas, I often find it hard to stick to just one. NaNoWriMo challenges me to choose an idea and commit to it. Of course, don’t hastily go with an idea you’re not 100% sold on. Choose one that’s been calling out to you for a while, one so tantalizing you’ve almost been afraid to ruin its pristine condition in the confines of your mind. Set this type of idea free, and you’ll be amazed at how it rewards you.
NaNoWriMo is also great for silencing your inner critic: that annoying little voice that tears apart every word you write, stopping you in your tracks before you’ve even gotten a sentence on the page! Because of the tight turnaround, you’ll be too busy typing (or writing) away to let self-criticism bother you. My number one tip for completing the challenge (and retaining your writerly sanity) is: don’t go back to edit. For now, focus on soldiering ahead and getting all your ideas onto the page (and hitting that word count, of course!)
As writers, we’re always looking for motivation to make sure our talents actually make it out of our minds and onto the page. NaNoWriMo is a great challenge to help you do just that. I personally finished my first novel last November, and I’m working on my second this November. Whatever you end up writing, I’m sure it will be something you can look back on and be proud of. Happy writing and good luck!
