NaNoWriMo Tips for Success
How to Finish Writing a Novel During National Novel Writing Month
Nov 1, 2009
Many novelists, new and experienced, participate in NaNoWriMo with the intention of finishing the first draft of a book during November. While thousands of writers participate every year, only a fraction meet the goal of 50,000 words before December.
And no wonder – that word count averages out to approximately 1,667 words every day, seven days a week, no exceptions! And that doesn't include all the extra notes novelists keep detailing characters, world-building, research, and everything else that goes into planning a novel.
However, with planning and foresight, any writer can finish NanNoWriMo. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for finishing that first draft in one month.
NaNoWriMo Success: Write Every Day
"Write every day" is the mantra of all writers, regardless of the month. With NaNoWriMo, even a few sentences snuck in on a lunch break at work can boost the word count if it's done every day! Writers can get access to their novel on any computer with Internet by using free tools such as My Writing Nook.
Every writer will have a different method that works for them. Before November 1st, draft a basic writing schedule. 1,700 words a day would work, but another option is to write 2,400 words Monday through Friday, with the weekends free. Or 3,330 words on odd-numbered days, with research and planning on even-numbered days.
Missed a Day? Don't Double the Word Count
Even with careful preparation, the best-laid plans often go astray. Most writers will miss a day or more of writing, and that's okay. The important thing is recovery.
The basic instinct is to double the word count the next day. While this could certainly be effective, it can also be daunting. And if that day passes with no writing, the word count needed begins to grow exponentially.
For writers who can't fit in a large word count in one day, try splitting the missed word count over several days. For example, if Monday's goal of 2,000 words was missed, add 500 to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. A Tuesday goal of 2,500 is less frightening than 4,000.
Avoid Editing: Finish the First Draft
Editing will only slow the writing process down. While editing during the first draft works for many writers, it's not so appropriate for NaNoWriMo.
Just remember, it's a first draft, not a completed novel. No one should query a novel in December that was written for NaNoWriMo. Worry about editing in December, and January, and probably February and March, too.
Join the NaNoWriMo Community
NaNoWriMo provides a great forum for participants to celebrate one another's success and help each other out when things get difficult. Having a place to chat with other writers and to post daily word counts is a valuable resource for NaNo participants.
Distraction-Free Writing
That being said, writing time is not forum time, or email time, or blogging time. When sitting down to get through that daily word count, disconnect from the Internet, turn off the cell phone, and focus only on writing.
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