Preparing for National Novel Writing Month
Tips for Successfully Completing the NaNoWriMo Challenge
Oct 7, 2009
National Novel Writing Month launches its annual writing challenge November 1st. Here are some tips for surviving and succeeding during NaNoWriMo.
Writing a novel is no easy task. For some writers, it can take months or even years to go from first draft to completed manuscript. Attempting to complete a 175 page novel in just thirty days may seem an impossible, if not insane, task to undertake. National Novel Writing Month offers writers the opportunity to do just that. Here are some tips for successfully undertaking the novel-writing challenge.
Brainstorm For Ideas
While some writers choose to jump into NaNoWriMo blindly, with no idea what they want to write about, most writers at least have an idea of what their story will be about. Some writers will choose to work on a novel or idea they’ve been kicking around for awhile while others will come up with something completely new. Whatever the case, having an idea going into it will make getting started a less intimidating process.
Do Some Research Before NaNoWriMo
Once an idea has been cultivated, it’s always best to do some research beforehand, particularly if the topic is one that the writer is unfamiliar with. The more complicated the plot is, the more research may be necessary but ultimately, the time spent getting to know the topic will make for a better story down the road.
Plan Ahead
While the actual writing doesn’t begin until November 1st, it's perfectly acceptable to create an outline, write character sketches, or anything else that will streamline the writing process. For first-timers especially, this will make it much easier to actually start writing and it may help improve the quality of the writing as well.
Explore the NaNoWriMo Website
Writers can visit the NaNoWriMo website and sign up in advance. They can create a profile which tells other writers what their novel is about as well as include links to their personal webpages if they like. The site also features many writing-related resources that can be accessed before and throughout the competition.
Visit the NaNoWriMo Forums
The forums at NaNoWriMo are a wealth of information for the first-timer. There are forums devoted to specific genres, tips for researching your novel, developing plot, and just basically surviving the challenge. The forums are full of established NaNoWriMoers as well as newcomers, and questions are always welcome and encouraged.
Set the Pace
Writing 175 pages in thirty days essentially breaks down to about three pages, or approximately 1700 words, per day. It's best to write a little each day but some writers prefer to write in longer bursts. Each writer will need to develop a system that works for them. By setting goals, it also becomes easier to stay motivated and on-task.
Be Realistic
Writing anything is tough, much less a 50,000 word novel. While many writers will fall short of the goal, the important thing to remember is that being a successful writer requires persistence. While NaNoWriMo encourages writers to meet the challenge, the larger focus is on getting people to simply write in the first place.
Keep Writing
When the end of November rolls around, the true test of a writer’s success during NaNoWriMo will be whether they continue writing. Writing should now be routine and for the true writer, the work doesn’t stop just because the competition does. The most successful writers are the ones who keep writing, no matter what.
Finding success at writing takes practice, patience, and determination. NaNoWriMo offers new and established writers a chance to finally take the leap and start writing their novel. It can be intimidating but it can also be an extremely rewarding experience.
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