This will be my second time taking part in NaNoWriMo and this year I am coming prepared. Last year was a huge learning experience for me and I came out the other side stronger and way more knowledgeable about writing and about myself.
This is what I learnt from last year’s NaNoWriMo. I wrote 27481 words in total. That was just over halfway as the goal is 50000 words in total. I was so proud of myself though, and this year I go into NaNoWriMo knowing how many words I really need to be writing. I know how much time I need to be spending writing every day to meet my goal. I know that I need to plan.
Plan of action for NaNoWriMo 2016
Outline like a boss!
I am busy working on my outline and at the moment it’s all over the place. Luckily I still have time to bring it all together before 1 November.
Give my characters backbone
My characters are starting to feel like people I know. They have unusual quirks and personalities. I know exactly how they look – thanks to the help of some wonderful film stars that I would cast into the roles. But, I do admit that some of my characters need more depth. I have focussed mainly on a few and I need to spend the next few days rounding off the other characters too.
Emotionally prepare myself
As it is I am sleep deprived so I need to look after myself during this month. I am emotionally preparing myself and I’m starting to set a few rules for myself for the NaNoWriMo.
Set daily goals
My daily goal is a minimum of 2000 words. I need to reach this goal in order to make my 50000 words at the end of the month. I know some days will be good and some bad so I hope to catch up on the good days.
Set mini rewards to keep myself motivated
Massages. Manicures. NaNoWriMo gear. These are some of the mini rewards I will be setting for myself this month. I will be setting weekly goals and weekly rewards.
Don’t procrastinate – set time limits and go for it
I know by now how much time I need to get my 2000 words on a page and so I will be working against a clock too, every day. This way I will stay away from any social media or distractions that will cause me to miss my word count.
Be true to myself
I will listen to my own thoughts and my own head. I will not let somebody else’s ideals interfere and I will not let my inner critic tell me otherwise either.
Try to use at least 1 new/unusual word a week in my writing
This is something I’m going to try do just to spice things up. Every week I will find an unusual word that I will try to bring into my story.
Embrace the finer details
I will relish in the descriptions. This is something I often skip over and I know that good descriptions can give a story so much more depth.
Will you be taking part in NaNoWriMo?
If you are, pop me a mail. I’d love to have someone to chat to throughout the journey and to help keep each other accountable.
Leave a Reply