Tips For Tackling NaNoWriMo
So you want to write 50,000 words in 30 days…
You’ve signed up for NaNoWriMo, built a kick-ass profile, and uploaded a slick jacket copy with some artwork. Now what? It’s time to solve for “x.” In this case “x” is the number of words and “D” is the number of days in November to reach 50K.
Dx = 50,000
30x = 50,000
x = 50,000 ÷ 30
x = 1,666.66
x ~ 1,667
To hit 50K words in 30 days you’ll need to write approximately 1,667 words per day (give or take) or roughly five pages. For some of you golden gods, 1,6667/five pages a day won’t be a problem. But for the rest of us mortals, the key to crushing NaNoWriMo (or at least setting yourself up for success) is in the preparation.
Plot. Regardless of whether you’re a pantser or a plotter, I’d strongly advise doing some outlining. How much detail you add to the outline is up to you. But giving yourself a roadmap of chapters, scenes, etc. you know you want to hit will help you keep moving forward throughout the month. You’ll spend less time thinking about where to go next and more time writing.
Assemble your squad. In my previous NaNoWriMo article, I talked about how the event brings writers together and builds camaraderie. In the days leading up to November 1, reach out to fellow writers to see if they’re participating. Start a group chat. Follow each other’s NaNoWriMo profiles. However, you want to work it, having a support system will pay dividends in the latter part of the month.
Real talk. Tell non-writer friends, co-workers, and/or family you’re taking part in NaNoWriMo. The key here is to tell non-writer friends that you see almost every day. When you tell non-writers you’re trying to write 50,000 words in 30 days (1) their heads are going to explode and (2) they’re going to ask you about it throughout the month. This is another way to remind yourself to make a point of sitting down to write.
Don’t start from scratch. If you’re starting a WIP from scratch the thought of a blank page can be terrifying. It might cause you to start and stop and scrap and repeat the whole process several times. And according to the math, time is of the essence. Rather than start with a blank page, write the first paragraph, chapter, or 50 pages prior to November––don’t enter those words into the tracker (be honest people!). That way when NaNoWriMo you’ve already got momentum.
Now, with that math and these tips in mind, go forth my writing brethren! Seize the page, dawn your mugs, and write!
