Tips to Survive NaNoWriMo

A week into NaNoWriMo and that 50,000 word total is beginning to look a little outrageous? Sometimes you just need a little help…

Create a Pitch as a Motivational Touchstone

I stole this idea from Diane Holmes over at pitch-university.com. Diane says to jot down a pitch based on the reasons you’re thrilled to be doing NaNoWriMo (“This is a book where I get to….”, “I can’t wait to play with….”, etc.) as a way to generate motivation. I’ll add my own twist. In addition to a motivational pitch, create a sales pitch (though you don’t have the time to make it perfect) to hone the thrust of your novel. For those in a mad dash like NaNoers, a sales pitch helps direct the themes and plotline of your novel.

Twitter Threads

Twitter threads are chock-a-block full of helpful links, interesting tweeple, and plenty of writers poised to cheer you on. Check out the #NaNoWriMo and #dares threads for inspiration, support, and writing sprints.

Write or Die by Dr. Wicked

If you tend to get bogged down perfecting each word, each sentence, you’ll never make it to the 50,000 word deadline. Time to crank up some cheap, speed-inducing software called Write or Die. Several versions exist: the horrible violin and baby screeching that begins if you aren’t typing after a certain alotted time, or the ever-popular version that DELETES all previous text. Better keeps those fingers moving!

Keep the Tools to a Minimum

The market is flooded with all kinds of software designed to help writers track their plotlines, scenes, word count by day, etc. Frankly, all of those bells and whistles can be just plain distracting. NaNoWriMo is not the time to be fidgeting with new software because you don’t HAVE TIME. Stick to the basics and get it done. Play with the software later.

Write in a Cloud

Google docs is a great example of a “cloud” that hides all of the garbage on your desktop so you aren’t tempted to browse, or better yet…

Unplug the Internet

Okay, so you don’t have to find a remote patch of Siberia to block all distractions to work, but try writing for chunks of time without the internet. Set the timer for 45 minutes or an hour at a time. You’ll be amazed by the progress you make.

Create a Cheering Squad

When the going gets tough, call upon writerly buddies to give you a kick in the derriere. Even an s.o.s. on Twitter brings loads of back clapping and tear drying. Set up a NaNo group to check in with each week to keep you on track and lighten your load of self-flagellation.

One Day at a Time

Stay focused on daily goals to avoid becoming overwhelmed. A 50,000 word novel by the end of the month is a daunting task, but can be done and IS done every year…one day at a time.