Goals will be made, caffeine will be consumed, and many, many words will be written. Loved ones will roll their eyes, and later in the month, they will hide in fear. Laundry will pile up. Fists will pound keyboards in frustration. Sleep will be lost, and new friends will be made.
NaNoWriMo is an exhilarating time of year!
While I'm not participating this year, I am writing a first draft. I love this phase of a book. I'm most creative when I'm writing a first draft. So for all you NaNo-ers out there, I will be cheering you on.
If I can encourage you to do one thing, it's to log the time you spend writing, the number of pages you've written, and your word count. Don't be afraid to break your writing sessions up. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in thirty minutes. The log will boost your spirits when you feel as if you're not moving forward quickly enough.
Other advice?
- Lower your expectations for all other aspects of your life.
- Plan a few takeout meals if you normally cook every night.
- Take two minutes to deep breathe if you're getting tired.
- Stuck on a plot point? Have no idea what to write next? Jot the scene basics on notebook paper and explain the goal of the scene to yourself. It should unblock you. If you're still stuck, go back and read the last chapter. I'll bet something triggers your muse.
Are you NaNo-ing this year? What advice do you have?
Enjoy your Monday!
