It’s time for National Novel Writing Month—NaNoWriMo! I’m pumped as always, though preparing for NaNoWriMo always takes a lot out of me. Having said that, I’ll be ready to start the fourth Flight of the Raven novel on November 1.
What is NaNoWriMo?
National Novel Writing Month, or NanoWriMo, is an annual creative writing project that challenges participants to write a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. About half a million people worldwide participate and while daunting, with proper preparation, you can “win” and complete your novel draft in thirty days.
Preparing for NaNoWriMo
I assume you already have a story idea or ideas. I prefer to start on November first with a full outline, meaning I’ve mapped out the scenes, chapters, storylines and characters before I sit at my trusty Neo2 keyboard. I’ve talked about this excellent low-tech tool in previous posts, and I’m still sold on it. (So much so that I own three of them: don’t ask!)
On the other hand, some folks don’t need more than a vague basic idea to get started, while others need outlines more extensive than mine. It really doesn’t matter. You do you.
Logistics
Preparing for NaNoWriMo also involves setting up both a writing space as well as your writing schedule. You know if you write best in the early morning hours, inside your office cocoon. Or, you may prefer writing on your deck if you live in a warm climate. I prefer writing on my little distraction-free keyboard in the morning after exercising and while nobody else is awake to break my concentration, but I can write in libraries or coffee shops as well.
Be clear about where and how you prefer to write and make it a habit—especially during NaNo. You want to be one of the 11% or so worldwide who completes the challenge successfully. Also, be protective of your time. Let your family know you’re taking on this challenge and ask for their indulgence and understanding.
Build Your Network
During many previous Novembers, I’ve connected with several “buddies” through the NaNoWriMo website or through writing activities at my local library. Check out the resources and suggestions on the NaNoWriMo website to connect with other writers in your state our country. They sponsor both in-person and virtual write-ins and other events during the month. At write-ins, folks assemble to write and participate in word sprints to keep their energy up. I’ve only participated in one in-person write-in, since it’s not my “speed,” but for some, preparing for NaNoWriMo means scheduling lots of in-person and virtual write-ins.
In any case, I’ve found connecting with others who understanding this crazy writing challenge helps me feel less alone. And who knows, you may find an exciting, new friend group through NaNoWriMo.
My Basic Rules
Given that writing at least 50,000 words is your goal for a single month—about 1,667 words per day—you can’t afford to edit while you’re writing. In fact, give yourself the license to write and not edit for the entire month. One of the many criticisms of the National Novel Writing Month experience is that no one can write a novel in a month. If they mean you can’t wrote a novel, edit it repeatedly, then publish it in a month, they’re right. But you also can’t edit a blank page.
What NaNoWriMo give me is a first draft. It’s an ugly draft that may contain lots of inconsistencies, but it’s the start to a novel. And with that draft in hand, and after several rounds of my editing, plus that of a professional editor, I’m good to go. This yearly exercise exercises my writing muscles: I think it’s worth it.
Another important rule is not to get down on yourself if you don’t complete the challenge in November or at all. What you create during the month may still be used to flesh out the ideas for another novel. You may also use what you’ve written as a short story or novella. But without the energy and focus of the NaNoWriMo challenge, you may not have started that other writing project at all.
Since starting with NaNoWriMo in 2015, I’ve produced nine novels, four of them now published. By preparing for NaNoWriMo in the best way for you, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenge. Remember, the goal is to write a first draft, not a perfect novel. Embrace the process, enjoy the creative journey, and most importantly, keep writing!
