IWSG was created by the Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh. To visit the IWSG participants, please click here. The co-hosts for November are Tyrean Martinson, Karen Walker, Denise Covey, and Stephen Tremp.November is upon us, and I know a lot of people are typing away to reach 50,000 words by the end of the month. I participated in NaNoWriMo from 2009 to 2013. During that time I wrote three novels to first draft completion and wrote partial drafts of four more. Even though I didn't participated last year and am not participating this year, I cheer you on and have a few tips to help you on your way.
1. Outline. Wait, you say you didn't outline before November 1? That's okay. When you finish writing for the day, think about what might come next and write a sentence or two about it. When you gear up to write the next day, pull up that mini outline note. It'll help you get into a frame of mind of what to write next.
2. Never stop writing at the end of a scene/chapter. One of the hardest things about writing is beginnings. Writing a paragraph or two of the next scene/chapter before calling it a day will give you a jump start into the next day's writing.
3. Consider using a timer. When I used to write without a timer, I would wander a lot. Write a bit here, check Facebook there, etc. I easily became distracted. To overcome distraction, I started timing my writing. With that clock ticking down, it keeps me focused. Try ten or twenty minutes sprints and see if it helps you clock in more words.
4. You are all winners. Writing is hard. Seriously. Even if you don't finish the book or get anywhere near 50,000 words, you are writing, and that's a win in my book.
5. Have fun.
Do you have any NaNoWriMo tips? What are your insecurities?
From now until 11/16, you can purchase Once upon a Nightmare: A Collection (paranormal horror), Reborn (YA Epic Fantasy), and People of Foxwick and Their Neighbors (Epic Fantasy short stories) for 99 cents a piece.
Click here for purchase links.
Read Reborn from the beginning or Chapter Thirty-Six.
The Realms Faire starts next week! Be prepared for Riddle Me This on this blog, and there will be tons of games and prizes on the participating blogs.
The authors of Mayhem in the Air are on tour this week and next. Read excerpts from our stories, and there is a giveaway for a $40 Amazon gift card! Click here for a list of blogs participating.
