A tiny list of barely helpful suggestions

You've all been over the checklist for our prep during these few short days leading up to our daunting task – plot, characters, world-building, point of view, and genre. Here’s an additional list of things to keep in mind while anxiously waiting for the new month:

1. Figure out your writing schedule. 50,000 words can seem scary. Divide that by 30 and you have a little over 1,500 words to be writing every day. You can always increase your hours during weekends, thus freeing up your week day evenings a little.

2. Get a writing playlist. If you haven’t tried writing to music that fits your mood, I highly recommend it. As cliched as it sounds, music is inspiring and we’re going to need a lot of that, aren't we?

3. Setup writing areas but make sure they are vastly different places so you’re never stuck for inspiration. A cup of coffee in a place that was not my bedroom made a huge difference in my plot and chapter prep. Leave your writing area for a while, go make friends with your local barista or librarian or just walk your dog to the beach; you’re bound to make some headway.

4. Panic. Yes, it seems insane that you’d even consider writing an entire novel. Yes, 30 days is a few years too short to be completing your masterpiece in. Break down over your lack of sanity but get it out of your system so it doesn't overwhelm you later on.

5. Stop reading checklists. The amount of helpful lists and suggestions for writing your first novel is staggering. If, like me, you are increasingly terrified every time you read a list of things you should have done but haven’t, close all those browser tabs and head out for a walk.

It’s terrifying and exciting and if you aren't nervous, you’re doing it wrong. Go forth and write!