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.
31 comments:
#2 is such sound advice! I always write at least the first two to four sentences of the next scene or chapter before I shutdown my laptop. If I can't do that, I at least write a few notes indicating where I intend on taking the story next.
That's right - just writing something is an accomplishment.
I can't imagine tackling NaNo without an outline...
I've never done NaNo, but I can't imagine trying it without an outline of some kind. I thought of doing it this year, but then I got wrapped up in completing a Christmas novella. Maybe next year.
Great tips! They're bound to be useful for any writer!
Thanks for the tips, Cherie. Just writing, this by itself is a big accomplishment.
I've never done it and not sure I'd ever officially enter. I think have fun is the best advice.
I've never done NaNo, but am cheering everyone on like you. Those are great tips for those participating in NaNo.
I've never won NaNo, and it's probably because I don't outline. If you're trying to write an entire novel in a short amount of time, it's essential to already know what's going to happen. Maybe someday I'll actually give it a shot, but definitely not this year.
I don't do NaNo either, but am wishing everyone good luck.
Great tips for NaNo. I find it hard to leave once I get going, but I only have so much time to dedicate on my lunch hour. But that does typically leave me in the middle of something that I'm eager to get back to!
I've rarely written against a clock, but I should. I'm thinking that would be an epic step.
I second your suggestion about using a timer. When I first started writing fiction, I felt like I needed to be doing everything except writing. I started at five minutes. Then ten. Then fifteen. I didn't need the timer after that. Happy writing, everyone!
One day, I'll try NaNo again, but my first attempt was pretty much a failure--at least as far as hitting the 50k word count goes. But I did learn a lot about my writing process, so I'm glad I tried.
Interesting tips. Writing down where you're going next so you can dive right in the next day always helps me. I wouldn't be able to use a timer, though. It would stress me out. I've never tried NaNo because I've never been able to commit the time to it. Maybe someday...
Tip #2 is a good one. I've been trying that one out and it does help.
Love number the two suggestion. Used it a lot last year and was rarely stuck. Thanks for the reminder. :-)
Anna from Elements of Writing
I've made a note of all advice ready for next year. I'm currently doing a bit edit job. Hope all is going well, Cherie. Happy November!
One of these years I'm going to try NaNo. I'm too busy editing right now.
I'm ready to start the Unicorn Hunt next week.
Great tips for making progress whether doing NaNo or not, Cherie!
Great NaNo tips! Outlines are imperative IMO (at least light ones). And I LOVE writing sprints - they definitely help me, too. Can't wait for Realms Faire!
Great advice, not only for NaNo but for any type of writing. Outlining helps for sure. The #2 advice is harder; I could never manage that. I always tend to want to finish some logical unit before I stop. Maybe I should try your way some time and see where it would take me.
I'm too slow a writer for NaNo. Plus, having a specific deadline will insure I procrastinate and miss it. Shame on me. I cheer writers on from the sidelines.
I have never done it. I am working through my first draft right now though so I guess I am unofficially doing it this year. Those are great tips for sure.
Sorry my comments late trying to NaNo---Great tips. I grabbed the .99 books and look forward to reading them.
I often think how will I be remembered and know this too has changed with change in my reality that has changed my perceptions. I want to inspire, encourage, entertain and "hand out hope like it is candy in my pocket" to quote a fave Kevin Costner move The Postman.
oh wow, somehow I copied another post instead of my signature---So sorry ignore the last paragraph here is my signature.
Juneta Writer's Gambit
Great tips! I see these being very helpful outside of NaNo, too... :)
Awesome tips for NaNo. I was really missing it this week. How the mind fantasizes when stuck shopping! *LOL* Have a good weekend. :)
Yes to outlining. Um, eek to the idea of using a timer. But never say never... hehehe
The thought of doing NaNoWriMo is scary... actually terrifying...
Maybe one day I will.
Maybe.
A BIG maybe.
Good Luck with NaNo!!!!!
I'd love to do NaNo one day. If I ever do, I'm going to outline before the beginning of the month so that I have an easy flow of words. I once wrote a draft in two weeks, when I had vacation time, but November I work the whole month.
I've never participated in NaNoWriMo, but I regularly set writing goals to help push myself. I love your advice! All of it is excellent. Yay for this year's participants!
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