To win NaNoWriMo, you must write a 50,000 word novel—from scratch—in one month. To break it up, you have to write 1,667 words a day, every day, for thirty days straight.
That's a lot of words. If you're participating in NaNoWriMo this year, how do you win? Here are five suggestions.
1. Write With Friends
Community can provide positive reinforcement to help you dominate NaNoWriMo.
This month, why not write your novel with The Write Practice. We've created two resources to help you:
- A NaNoWriMo community area full of content and places to interact with other NaNoWriMo participants.
- An exclusive NaNoWriMo Facebook group for Write Practice members only.
Check them out and introduce yourself.
If you'd like to help encourage your fellow writers, consider writing a post for the community area. We'd love to host several of these per week. You can get involved here.
2. Write Fast
Today, writing fast is the most important thing you can do. Quantity begets quality, so write quickly today.
3. Don't Edit
Editing is essential. Don't be one of those writers who submits their unedited NaNoWriMo novel to publishers on December 1. But November isn't for editing. November is for writing. The Oxford Comma and misuse of your/you're can wait for December.
4. Use a Timer
Your inner procrastinator may try to convince you otherwise, but there are only so many hours in November. Spend your time wisely by using a timer (we like e.ggtimer.com).
Set it for thirty minutes and see how many words you can write. Take a five minute break. Then, set it for another thirty minutes and see if you can beat your word count from last time.
5. This Isn't Just About 50,000 Words
This is about mastering the craft of writing. Instrinsic motivation is always more powerful than extrinsic rewards, and becoming a master at something like writing is intrinsically good.
Every time you feel your energy flagging and procrastination taking over, ask yourself, “How can I get better today? What can I do to become a great writer today?”
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? Introduce yourself here and make sure to pay attention to our NaNoWriMo community area this month!
PRACTICE
Kick your NaNoWriMo off right. Set your timer for thirty minutes and write as quickly as you can. When you're finished, post your first words here in the comments section. If you post, please be sure to comment on a few pieces by other writers.
Best of luck!
Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris, a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).
Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.