NaNoWriMo Tips and Encouragement

by Victoria M. Johnson

Dear NaNoWriMo writers, as you prepare to dive in to write your novel I want you to start with the right frame of mind and the right tools. This post contains a boost of direction, a few tips, and that dose of inspiration to help you succeed.  

But hold on for just a moment.

Dear Non NaNoWriMo readers, you may be wondering what all the online banter is about.  National Novel Writing Month, more affectionately known as NaNoWriMo, kicked off on November 1st and runs through November 30th.  During that time the 400,000 or so people from around the world who signed-up (for free) commit to write a draft of a 50,000 word novel.  Now in it's 20th year, the event has gained in popularity every year.

The fun part is the online sharing through facebook, twitter, and instagram of the participating writers and others, like me, who are supporting and rooting for them.  For example, on twitter: advice and encouragement tweets are mixed in with tweets of word counts, excuses, and lots of lamenting.  I felt bad for those who are already stuck--and it's only four days in--so I gathered some help and wrote this post.

I found great NaNoWriMo tips that are helpful for all writers whether you're participating or not. 

41 Insider Tips for Winning NaNoWriMo

Reedsy gathered up editors and agents to get these great pointers.  For those of you who might need a dose of confidence:

"All you need is two 15-minute bursts of writing each day," says editor Lindsay Schlegel. "Sit down, do it, and move on. Don't worry if you don't write enough words the first few days. The creative juices will start flowing, and you'll make up for it by the end." 

NaNoWriMo Advice: 30 Tips for Writing a Book in 30 Days

Jessica Strawser provides this gem, "Always end a writing session only when you know what’s next." 

Preparing for NaNoWriMo: Your Guide to Outlining Success

K.M. Weiland has ten parts to her very useful NaNoWriMo guide.  The part containing key ingredients for participants: Click Here

"Start your outline by writing down everything you already know about the story.  Put it all on paper in a short list, so you can evaluate what you already have."

Photo by Christin Hume

Want To Win NaNoWriMo This Year?  7 Tips On Writing And Productivity

Joanna Penn says, "When people ask for tips on getting their book written, my number one tip is to schedule time for writing as you would schedule any other appointment."

How a Month of NaNoWriMo Can Lead to a Lifetime of Better Writing

Grant Faulkner offers this wise observation, "To write 50,000 words in 30 days, you have to write 1,667 words a day.  That means banishing your inner editor and showing up to write on good days and bad days, on hard days at work, on lazy and uninspired days, maybe even on sick days."

24 Books that Won NaNoWriMo

Marie (no last name given) gives participants hope by citing books created during NaNoWriMo that went on to publication.

Are you participating, if so, let me know in the comments below.  Good luck, I'm cheering for you.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma.  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.