Writing: NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo: Telling My Story Through Writing
It may be fiction but it’s good news
Writing a novel in a month sounds almost impossible. But it’s something thousands of people do regularly.
NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month, is an annual event that challenges participants to write 50,000 words in 30 days.
This year, I’m doing it too!
I have a story to tell and while I may be writing fiction, a lot of it is true.
Who Can Participate in NaNoWriMo?
Anyone can participate in NaNoWriMo! We do not have to have any previous experience as a writer to be able to write a novel in a month. In fact, NaNoWriMo attracts people from a variety of backgrounds. Like me. in my thirties, ex-military, an unpublished scribbler.
If you have ever wanted to write that novel you’ve always wanted to write, come join me!
NaNoWriMo is the perfect opportunity to do so. You do not even need to be in the process of writing a novel to participate in NaNoWriMo. This writing event is an excellent way to get started on your novel, even if you feel that you do not have much experience with writing.
I’ve compiled a quick guide. This is mostly to get my juices flowing; to get into the habit; to give me confidence.
I need it. I need help!
Why I Should Take Part in Nano Writing Month
Writing a novel in a month sounds like a daunting task, especially for those who have never written a novel before. However, writing a novel in a month can be a great way to prove that I’m capable of completing a big writing task. It should be a huge confidence booster. Not only will I have written a novel, but I will have done so during a month that is already filled with stress. I’ve proven to myself that I can handle a hectic schedule; can I handle it when it’s just writing words and not deeds?
How to Write a Novel in a Month
There are two main parts to writing a novel in a month. The first is to write as much as I can in that one month. The second is to edit and revise my novel so that it is ready to be published.
(That might take another month, yeah?)
To write a 50,000-word novel, I must set myself a daily word count goal. In theory, I need to write 1,666 words a day for thirty days.
Tips for Success During Nano Writing Month
As noted, writing a novel in a month can be challenging, daunting, impossible, difficult; choose the best word.
Here’s my plan to make Nano Writing Month a success.
- Keep a Schedule — Writing a novel in a month can be challenging (etc.) especially if I have a busy schedule. Which I do, with some days blocked out solid, at least during work hours. One of the best ways to stay on track is to keep a daily schedule. I’ll try to schedule my writing time each day so that I can know exactly when I will be able to write. That probably means first thing in the morning if I have a full day, and finish off my quota at night.
- Create a Writing Space — It will be helpful to create a writing space to write my novel in a month. A writing space is somewhere where I feel comfortable and relaxed while writing. I already have this at my home desk, looking out onto a garden. I just need to keep it uncluttered
- Publish on Medium — Maybe nobody is reading but I can post each chapter link on Twitter and it will be out in the world and done each day.
Key Takeaway
Writing a novel in a month should be a really rewarding experience. Not only will I have a novel, but I will also have developed valuable writing skills along the way.
My story needs to be told; our nation is at a crisis.
Molly
Justin Cox sounds like an expert on this. I’ve taken his words into my heart.