NaNo Tips

A few days ago, I got together with some authors and we shared tips and suggestions to participate, survive and win the NaNo writing competition. You will find those tips on these pages.

Develop the Writer's Mindset for NaNo

Here are some tips to consider first -

1 - Do not let the 50,000 word count mess with your head. That breaks down to 1,667 words per day. If you work during the week, there is the weekend or nights to catch up.

2 - You need your friends and family to understand this is important to you. There is less time for all your usual daily activities during NaNo. But, the sacrifice is worth it. My first year, I was working about 50+ hours a week and still reached the goal. Those were some intense weekends :) (I will warn you that friends and family will probably think you've lost your mind :)

3 - It is critical that you turn off your internal editor. This does not mean you must ignore misspelled words and simple things. But, do NOT make story changes and revamp segments of the story. This will drastically slow your momentum. Keep pressing ahead - unless you feel the story is taking a wrong turn. But, do NOT delete anything. I've also learned to print out each rough chapter and to make notes about potential future changes. This only takes a few minutes and you will NEVER remember these little things at the end of November.

4 - Let your imagination go crazy. Get creative and have fun with the project.

5 - It is great to join a community of writers who will share the frustrations and the joys with you during November. I have one that you are welcome to join. The address is: http://www.writersonlinecourses.com/Forum/. The forum is free and it is a place to share ideas, ask questions, offer tips and to post your word count.

6 - I find it helpful to create my main characters before NaNo starts. Some secondary characters may creep up as the story develops, but you will have the main characters in mind.

7 - I also like to have a rough outline - beginning and end of the story. It also includes some of the events that will happen in the middle. For this, I use these questions - "What If", "It Would Be Great If" and "It Would Be Terrible If". These are great ways to find additional elements for your story.

8 - Decide where and when to start your story. I didn't have this in mind the first year and almost every word from NaNo became back story. Each other project was started in the right place and the beginning of the published books is very close to the way I began NaNo.

9 - Carry a small notebook with you during the month and note ANY ideas that come to you. They could be useful when you get back to the computer.

10 - It is helpful to have friends who are also participating. But, if you cannot find anyone, you can join us in the forum and we can encourage you.

11 - Take the chance to brag about how you are doing during the month. This will give you a boost and help others understand you are serious. Did you write 10 pages one day? Brag about it. Did you discover an awesome new subplot or fascinating new character? Brag about it. Everyone on the forum will understand each little or big milestone that you reach.

12 - November 17, 2006 we will be having a chat to discuss how we are doing, to vent about frustrations etc. You are welcome to join us. There will probably be a good amount of bragging going on too. This is the link for the chat. Just enter a name and click log on. The chat will be at 7:00 PM EST. http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.pl?id=151311. This chat is organized each Friday at 7:00 PM EST by www.inspiredauthor.com

13 - You will be much more productive if you can work in a isolated area. When people are nearby and talking etc it is very distracting and will hinder your creativity and your momentum.

14 - Set aside a block of time when you can work without interruptions. This may be difficult, but it is worth the effort. Even if you can only have an hour or a two, take it and make the most of the time.

15 - Have a comfortable place to work. Don't make it so comfortable that you fall asleep, but a good desk with a comfortable chair are invaluable. You will be at the desk and in the chair a lot during November.

Additional NaNo Info

NaNo Intro Page

NaNo Tips to Help You Get Started

Story Preparation Ideas for NaNo

NaNo Necessities

Postal Address - P O Box 711, Fishersville, VA 22939
Nikki's Email Address - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Last modified: 07/21/08