I don’t typically participate in NaNoWriMo, mostly because it doesn’t suit my writing process, but hundreds of people participate in this event every year. I love watching people tackle the fun and grueling task of imagining someone’s life, wondering how it will impact others’ and eventually play out. But for those that have never tried to write a novel before, it sounds like a scary and daunting task. I have a few tips that might make it easier to get started.
10. You are not trying to impress anyone. The idea that you have to write the next great novel is stupid. You are writing for yourself, so don’t put that kind of pressure on.
9. Have the characters’ names somewhere visible (I put a post it note on the bottom of my computer monitor) while you write. I’m always afraid I’ll forget someone’s name and then confuse myself when editing later.
8. Do NOT edit the story as you go. It takes too much time and will eventually discourage you from finishing.
7. Feel free to tell a couple people you are writing a novel, but don’t tell too many. You want accountability and support, not pressure.
6. Take a notebook with you. It’s irritating to be doing something mundane, like grocery shopping, and get a great idea for your novel, only to get all the way home and forget all about it. Notebooks fix that! You could also make notes on your phone, but I prefer to look at one screen when I’m writing.
5. Writer’s block is normal. If you feel stuck, walk outside; do some sort of chore; exercise. Doing something active will get your mind off whatever had you stuck, and it might give you ideas to move forward. Take breaks.
4. Limit distractions. If you write on your computer, turn off your wi-fi while you write. If you go to a cafe, put in those headphones and listen to classical music. Do whatever you need to for focus. (I love the focus playlists on Spotify, if you are looking for a place to start.)
3. Research before you start writing. If your novel requires any kind of research, on places or diseases or methods of torture (hey, no judgement here!), do that before you sit down to write for the day. Otherwise you will travel down the research rabbit hole instead of writing during the time you set aside.
2. Plan rewards. Did you make your word count goal for the day? You definitely deserve to watch an episode of The Flash/drink a glass of wine/eat a cookie/all of the above before going to sleep then. That doesn’t mean you punish yourself if you don’t reach the goal; this is all positive psychology here.
1. Prepare to suck. I’ve said this before, but your first draft would suck no matter what you did, really. It will suck if you take years to write it. It will suck if you take a few weeks. It will suck if you take three months. Accept that, acknowledge that you’ll make it better in the next draft, and just get started. You can’t make it better until you have something to mold!
Are you doing NaNoWriMo this year? What are you favorite writing tips? Let me know in the comments!
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