Why I am Not Doing NaNoWriMo This Year (But You Should, and How You Can Get Ready)

For all of you non-writerly types out there, NaNoWriMo is national novel writing month, a month where thousands of writers around the country try to do something extraordinarily: write a novel of at least 50,000 words in one month.

It is no easy task. A person needs to write around 1,700 words a day including weekends to accomplish the goal. Many schedule things like 10,000-word days and other feats to keep their momentum going. There are events called write-ins where you will see dozens of key pounding or notebook-wielding writers huddled around tables in coffee shops, libraries, and nearly anywhere writers can gather.

You writers already know this, and maybe you are debating about participating or have already decided to participate. I’m not, but not because it is too hard or I don’t have anything to write, but quite the opposite. I have three projects I am currently working on, a non-fiction (almost done), a ghostwriting project, and a novel of my own besides some edits on a couple of other projects and my typical freelance work.

On a typical day for me now, much different than even a few years ago, I write between 6,000 and 8,000 words a day. So I may write a NaNo total this week alone. This is not to brag. Instead, it is to say this: you can do it. No matter what your circumstances, NaNoWriMo is possible.

The non-fiction book I am working on now is about writing as a business, and the essentials for making a living at it. One of the first points is that you must write more, faster than you ever have before. Here is how to prepare for NaNoWriMo, and how to write fast, this month and every month.

Have a Plan

Even if you are not typically an outliner, you need to have at least a loose outline when you are doing NaNo. Otherwise, your project will stall when you run out of the part of the story that is already in your head. Having a direction will help your muse engage and write every single day. This is a must for your November novel to be successful.

Choose the Write Software

No, that is not a spelling mistake. There are often some great software options out there for NaNoWriMo, and many are on sale. Whether you use Scrivener (one of my favorites) or the new StoryShop, or you are using a mind mapping program for your outline and pacing, choose the software early, and practice with it before you start NaNo. The first week of November is a horrible time to be learning software or troubleshooting rather than writing. You need to focus on one thing during NaNo.

I’ve written a lot about Scrivener and even taught classes on how to use it to write quickly, so if you need help, check out some of my articles here.

Set a Schedule and Stick to It

One of the keys to NaNoWriMo is time management. Here is the key: make writing appointments with yourself and keep them no matter what. Let your friends, family, relatives, and anyone else know that you are doing NaNo, and that you have set aside time where you will be writing and not available to anyone.

This type of strict time management does a couple of things. First it teaches your muse to show up on command at a certain time, and secondly it helps you establish habits that will last well beyond NaNoWriMo and can propel your writing to new heights.

Have a Place to Write

Whether this is your bedroom, dining room table, office, or a local coffee shop, have a place to write and go there every single day. Why? Part of training your brain, besides having a set time to write, is to teach it that when you sit down at this place with your laptop open it is time to write. It is a mind trick, but one pro writers know well and use all the time.

Have Accountability Partners

One of the big advantages of NaNoWriMo is the huge writing community that is involved from amateurs to pros. There are special events, write-ins (mentioned above, where you join others in specific locations to write), and online forums including word tracking.

Want to get some weekly encouragement from me this month? Subscribe to my writer’s list, and I will send you an email every week with some motivational messages and even some special offers. (I won’t sell your email or spam you, I promise)

Don’t Give Up

Missing one day is not the end of the world, although you should try not to do it. You can make up words if you work a little harder on some days than others. Sometimes life gets in the way, so forgive yourself and keep going.

Even if you don’t make your NaNo goals, keep the novel you are working on and finish it. Use a different month if November doesn’t work. Sometimes January is easier, and there are NaNoWriMo camps and events year-round. The idea is to develop writing habits that last all year long and propel you forward as a writer. NaNoWriMo should be a beginning not an ending. It is just the first step. I’m not doing NaNoWriMo because I am working on different projects, but that does not mean I won’t be writing a whole bunch of words. You should be too. So get planning. You only have a couple of days to get ready. I’ll be cheering for you.

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Originally published at Unbound Northwest.