National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO) Awaits

Around the globe, hundreds of people are gearing up for Nanowrimo. I am one of them. It takes incredible fortitude to be able to write a novel in one month, but it is also something that is incredibly satisfying when finished. Honestly for me, the last few years, I fell off the wagon and I could not complete the task.

The idea came about in 1999 from Chris Baty and some friends of his who essentially challenged each other to write a novel in one month. They were struggling writers (or not writers at all) and found that they were not able to write much on a regular basis. Twenty one of Baty’s friends accepted the challenge and moved toward writing a novel.

Every year thereafter Baty organized it into a recognized competition online where people could eventually upload their novels and then get recognition. After that the writer should have a feature length novel of 50,000 words.

When you break it down, 50,000 sounds like a lot, but that comes down to 1667 words per day. This is a challenge for sure and one that is not easy. I have found the hardest part is when you did not meet the previous day’s challenges. This is when things can go south in a hurry.

I am going to do it this year because I am ready for the challenge. I am going to successfully block out the time necessary to be successful and do my best to get going on the write track.

Here are some ways that I have found in past years to overcome the urge not to write and continue on the path toward greatness:

1. Create on outline. This is easy to understand. I think that this probably the best way to be successful for this kind of large scale project. Working with structure will be incredibly useful.
2. Break the outline into manageable day by day pieces. They could be chapters or scenes, but they should be something that is doable and possible to complete.
3. Stop in the middle of a sentence. This is something that Hemingway used to do on a regular basis. He would stop in the middle of the sentence so that his mind would be right for the next day. When you arrive for the next day’s work, it is easier to get going.
4. Go on a long slow walk before you write. Observe the environment and observe the outdoors. Awaken your senses. This is important to slow down before you begin the high paced writing environment.
5. Write as fast as you can. This is a critical step since editing in a 50,000 month long journey is a killer. Dictating apps and programs are awesome!
6. Take a shower. This works really well for sensory deprivation and can lead to brand new things that you never imagined. Clarity often happens when we shower or go for a swim.
7. Make a play list for your novel. Sometimes, the music that you listen to is highly important and can make a huge difference in the outcome of the production that day.
8. Announce that you are doing this online or in social media. This is a huge place for you to gather steam and friends. Support is important.
9. Gather support. If you know anyone else who is doing this (whether you know them or not), reach out. You can find me on Twitter @chrisprice1955
10. Watch a movie or read a book that might be in a similar genre so that it serves as a spring board for sparks fo energy and ideas
11. Create a deadline. Know the words that you need to collect each day: 1667. This is important. I aim for 2000 just to be safe, but when you get to the promised land and you are in the flow, don’t stop. Keep going.
12. People watch. Observe fellow human beings and see some of the character ticks that you thought you needed in others. It happens all of the time that you see something that you realized a character was missing through the observation of others.
13. Exercise. This is important. The body will need a release after the mind is punished. It is going to be a challenge, so be ready for that.
14. Coffee. Lots of it. It is a great way to get rolling anytime.
15. Write Early. Start getting up an hour earlier and write for the that hour. It is amazing what can happen before the people in your world awaken. Sometimes you can knock out a full word count before the day begins!
16. Find a special room where you can write and be. This is important to set up a writer’s space.
17. Write elsewhere. You will find that once you get hooked, that you can write anywhere. While you are waiting for that meeting to start, knock out 300 words.
18. Celebrate the successes. This is important and a way to make you feel good. When you win the day, do something to enjoy that win. Don’t have too much fun, because the next day might just kick your butt.
19. Take a nap or meditate. This is an important part of being human. We need sleep and it is important to awaken the senses
20. Ask “What if”or “Why” a lot — good questions to ask when you are stuck.
21. Work hard on Thanksgiving weekend. This is a big one because there will be alot going on that last week of November. There always is — trust me.
22. Try writing with pen instead of a computer. Or vice versa.
23. Research your ideas. Read about things that you character might do or learn more about their jobs.
24. Go outside and lie down. It’s nice to feel the sun or feel the cool air on your face and breather fresh air.
25. Keep writing. No matter what, don’t give up. You can do this!

If you are looking for ideas, look here

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