
10 Sure-Fire Tips to Surviving November
1. Write every day. Make writing a priority. Set aside time where no one is allowed to disturb you. No one. Put on a writing hat if you have to.
2. Try timed writing exercises. Turn off inner
editor and write for 10, 15, 20, 30+ minutes without stopping.
3. Write nonlinearly.
Write in whatever order you feel like to keep your creativity fueled.
4. Reward yourself. Buy a gift that makes you
happy but is fairly cheap as a reward for reaching goals: chocolate, a cheap
book, favorite drink, take out, a new clothing under $15, a mug, etc.
5. Go to write-ins/events. Register and
then set home region. Check calendar for events, host own event, if you’re
inclined. Writing in a supportive community is helpful in keeping motivated and
building relationships. Don't let shame and being behind stop you from
writing. Remember whatever word count you end with is more
than you started with.
6. Engage in social media. NaNoWriMo has accounts on Twitter and Youtube.
They offer timed exercises, prompts and encouragement. You can also be social
with a network of people from all over the world trying to reach same goal.
(Twitter: @NaNoWordSprints AND @NaNoWriMo, YouTube channel “National Novel
Writing Month”).
7. Just say no! Say no to distractions, including extra requests
from work, family and friends. This month is about you. Get ahead in order to
be off on weekends or on Thanksgiving weekend. 8.
Three clicks, that's it! Unless
you're on social media to engage or up your word count, research is the only
other reason to be online while writing. Click three times to find an answer
and stop. Stop!
9. Don’t stop your flow, write a note. Highlight, bold, underline,
change font color, etc., when you need more info/research for a scene/concept
so you aren't distracted by having to stop your writing flow.
10. Push past
burnout. NaNo is 30/365 days
which is 8.219% of your year. Remind yourself this in order to reach the
ultimate goal. This feat is like running a marathon. Ask for extra help and
consideration from those depending on you.
HAPPY WRITING!
Stay tuned for last NaNoWriMo related blog post: "The Aftermath". The other two blogs in my NaNoWriMo Tips Series are "Plotting" AND "Getting Through".
Stay tuned for last NaNoWriMo related blog post: "The Aftermath". The other two blogs in my NaNoWriMo Tips Series are "Plotting" AND "Getting Through".