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NaNoWriMo


National Novel Writing Month is essentially a writing challenge. The idea behind it is to challenge writers across the globe to finish a 50,000-word novel in a month. While many of you are probably already prepping and getting psyched for the big event, this is my first year participating in it and I would like to share with you a few tips which I’ve learned from published authors. Here we go.

· HAVE A PLAN: You don’t necessarily have to make a detailed outline. And what making a plan or prepping might mean to you will totally depend on your style.  If you’re 100% pantser, maybe prepping just means knowing the basic premise for your story. Write a one sentence pitch before you write the draft so that you can ensure that your focus stays intact. Refer it while writing so that you can keep to the point of the story. And that still leaves the door to pantsing wide open, if that is what you want to do.
If you are a hybrid writer, as I mentioned earlier, you don’t have to make a detailed outline. Set some landmarks for you to reach in between while you are writing. It’s a good way to ensure that you keep on track while you are speeding through your fast draft – exactly what you need to do during NaNoWriMo.
Aaaand, if you are a planner, it’s high time you get started. Everything planned out in the beginning in no way means you have to constrain your creativity. Consider outlines as guides rather than a rulebook. It’s not prudent – or rather not practical – to plan each and every action and decision of your character in advance. Be flexible with your ideas while having a basic plan set in place as it will help you tremendously while fast drafting.

· WRITE EVERYDAY: Statistically speaking you have to write around 1,667 words per day to reach the goal of 50,000 words by the end of November. Since we are beings with emotions that depends on our varying energy levels, we often fail to stick to a predetermined course of action like a coded machine. Of course, there will be days when we go beyond the average or below it depending upon various factors. And that is quite natural. Write 5 minutes at least even on a super busy day. It will not only help you feel a little better but also helps you maintain the momentum. Even if you have just managed to write 100 words in one of the NaNoWriMo days it’s ok. Because it’s 100 words that you didn’t have yesterday and it’s 100 less words you have to write tomorrow. And on the days when you are not busy and overwhelmed with energy and ideas just let it flow out in the form of words. At the same time be sure not to push yourself too hard that you are left with no energy the next day. Strike a balance. And the easiest way to stay motivated during NaNoWriMo is to write daily.

· DON'T EDIT: Most probably you may not come up with a masterpiece while fast drafting. Indeed, nobody does. You are allowed to have flaws in your plot at this stage. If you look back while NaNoWriMo fast drafting you will not only be slowed down but surely end up with impaired motivation. The paramount aspect is for you to reach those 50,000 words or whatever your NaNoWriMo goal is. Don’t worry about your first draft being bad because it’s supposed to be so.

· HAVE FUN: NaNoWriMo can actually be a really fun experience. And yes, some days you might find it daunting and may hate yourself for participating. But don’t forget that a shiny manuscript at the end is your reward. Don’t worry about editing or how badly you are writing now. Just have fun and it doesn’t have to be right… just write!
……………………………….

“First steps are always the hardest but until they are taken the notion of progress remains only a notion and not an achievement.”
- Aberjhani

___Author's Note___
Just drop me a line if want me to cover a topic that you feel is missing on this blog. You can reach me on twitter, fb or G+. Please share if you liked what you just read and subscribe to join the journey of a writer. Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comment box below ðŸ˜Š

To know more about NaNoWriMo visit:    
· How NaNoWriMo works
· Productivity vs Perfection
· How to write a novel in a month




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