What is NaNoWriMo?
National Novel Writing Month. In the month of November a whole heck of a lot of crazy people try to write a novel at least 50,000 words long in 30 days.
Need more details? Visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/
How in the world do you expect to be able to do that?
You are allowed to outline before the month of November. This should help. But there are always people who don't outline before November and still complete the challenge, so it's up to you.
So if I want to outline, where do I start?
I wrote a guest post on plotting that you can find HERE. It shows some of my process and gives some good resources.
Are you crazy?
Perhaps. This is a hotly debated topic in some circles. But all it takes is dedication, butt glue, and writing everyday.
If you don't plan on telling anyone that you are doing NaNoWriMo you might be making a mistake. Tell people. Tell someone. Tell someone who will ask, "So how's that book coming? Are you getting close now?" They will keep you from quitting in the middle when you think this story is awful! (this thought is inevitable- expect it)
Wait? Why are you putting yourself through that?
I'm a deadline kinda gal. This is just pumping out a rough draft, not creating something beautifully polished. I know I can do this.
Plus, I am motivated by prizes (like sticker charts!) In the past NaNoWriMo has offered the winners a proof copy at CreateSpace and 50% off Scrivener writing software, something I've had my eye on for a while. Some people might not be interested in these prizes at all but it works for me.
Plus you should come up with your own prize. Something you can treat yourself to for accomplishing your goal!
Any other tips?
I will be offering NaNoWriMo tips every Tuesday through the month of November, in a series I will call NoMo Tuesdays (I wanted to call it NoMo Mondays because "There's a double meaning in that!" but Tuesdays work better.)
That should just about take up your November!
Nope, I have a HUGE change for Writing with Shelly on November 5th. I'm not telling what it is but I will give you a hint. Some hot guys avoid doublets and just write.
Nope, I have a HUGE change for Writing with Shelly on November 5th. I'm not telling what it is but I will give you a hint. Some hot guys avoid doublets and just write.
I'll be joining you. We're still getting hot guys in some form, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm in. Can't wait for 11/1. Outline done (check)characterizations done (check) story waking me up at night (check). Bring it on. I'll be checking in on Tuesday to see what you have to say. Stay with me, I'll need all the help I can get. First time for me, please be gentle.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing it to. I just finished my very rough outline yesterday. I guess we can be crazy together.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Looking forward to your tips!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad you guys are joining me! This is my first time as well. It will be....messy.
ReplyDeleteSarah- YES! Hot Guys in Doublets will still be a regular part of my blog.
Where can I buy some of that "butt glue"?
ReplyDeleteI'm in! The key for me is turning off that internal editor and just getting the project down on paper. The writing--once again, for me--takes place during the edits.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first year doing Nanowrimo and I can't wait to get started! :D
ReplyDeleteOh, good luck. Seeing as how I average at most 5,000 words a month, I don't think I'm quite up for the challenge :)
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Go Shelly! You amaze me. I was going to ask where to buy butt glue too, ha ha. My kids could use some at dinner time.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing this for exactly the same reasons: the CreateSpace copy and the Scrivener discount are AMAZING gifts that I intend to collect upon! Clearly, I am gift-motivated. Hmm.... wonder if I can tell my family and friends this nugget of wisdom...