If you’re thinking of taking part in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, then the more you can prepare for the event ahead of time, the better your at accomplishing your NaNoWriMo goals.
Before you start NaNoWriMo:
1. Decide on your project
What are you going to write? What’s the title? What genre is it? What will it be about? If you can, write a short summary of the project beforehand. You’ll need this anyway when you register for NaNoWriMo, so why not get it out of the way first. The more detailed your NaNoWriMo goals are prior to November 1st, the better.
What to read if you’re stuck: How to Figure Out Topics to Write About.
2. Come up with characters
You don’t have to figure everything out, but it’s a good idea to think about who your characters will be before November 1. One suggestion is to come up with simple character sheets with at least three attributes, which will drive their actions through your story.
What to read if you’re stuck: 3 Tips for Crafting a Protagonist.
3. Write an outline
Whether you’re a pantser or a planner, coming up with an outline is a good idea. NaNoWriMo is a sprint right from November 1 through November 30, and you don’t have time to waste wondering where your story is going.
What to read if you’re stuck: 6 Legitimate Reasons to Create a Book Outline.
4. Do some world-building
Give yourself the best chance of NaNoWriMo success by creating your story’s world before November 1. Regardless of genre, your characters exist in a world and the more you know about it ahead of time, the better.
What to do if you’re stuck: read Worldbuilding: How to Create a Believable World for Your Fiction Characters.
5. Set a writing schedule
In order to “win” NaNoWriMo you must complete 50,000 words by November 30. The best way to accomplish this task? Have a plan and stick to it. Do the math and break your writing goals down into manageable chunks. Then add enough time to your calendar—anywhere from 1-3 hours per day.
What to read if you’re stuck: Determined to Meet Your Writing Goals? Set Up a Production Schedule.
How to not get derailed while writing:
6. Remember, you’re writing a draft
By the end of November your only goal is to have written 50,000 words. They don’t have to be good words. They don’t even have to be interesting words. The point is, don’t allow perfectionism to derail you from hitting your daily word count.
What to read if you’re stuck: 20 Journaling Prompts to Jumpstart Your Creativity.
7. Go where your characters take you
Keep NaNoWriMo success in mind: you’re not trying to write a perfect book in 30 days, you’re trying to hit the NaNoWriMo word count goal. As you write, allow yourself to follow your characters (and creativity) wherever they take you.
What to read if you’re stuck: How to Create Characters Who Will Come Alive in Your Novel.
8. If you’re blocked, move on
NaNoWriMo is no time to sit, spinning your wheels. If a scene or chapter isn’t coming together, then skip it and come back to it later. You may want to jot down a few notes to remind yourself of where you’re going and after that allow your mind to focus on what’s next.
What to read if you’re stuck: 6 Creative Tips to Crush Writer’s Block.
9. Use dialogue
Dialogue is a great tool for many reasons, including advancing your story, establishing the tone and allowing your characters to reveal their personalities. Switching up your writing to include dialogue will also help unblock you so you can keep writing.
What to read if you’re stuck: How to Write Dialogue.
10. Harness the power of writing prompts
If you find yourself getting in your head, then looking outwards for inspiration could give you an amazing breakthrough. This can look any number of ways—everything from creating a moodboard for your story to composing a playlist or even going for a nature walk.
What to read if you’re stuck: Writing Prompts: 52 Places to Find Them When You Need Inspiration.
When it comes to accomplishing your NaNoWriMo goals, it all comes down to one thing and one thing alone: getting 50,000 new or revised words on the page between November 1 and November 30. Hopefully, these tips help you keep moving forward toward this goal as you craft your first draft and give yourself something to nurture and revise later.