NaNoWriMonth is one of my favorite months of the year
because I know that I’m not alone in writing. There are thousands of people
just like me hacking away at their computers, desperately trying to piece
together a story. But the thing is, writing is HARD.
And writing every day with
determination and accountability is even harder. So how do we keep persevering
through doubt, writer’s block, and indecision?
Here are 5 tips to keep you motivated throughout your NaNoWriMonth:
1.
Quotes
for Inspiration– For November, I like to print out motivational quotes, put
them into a jar, and then for each day of November, pull one out and have it
front of me as I write. For a great start, go here.
Quotes
for Inspiration– For November, I like to print out motivational quotes, put
them into a jar, and then for each day of November, pull one out and have it
front of me as I write. For a great start, go here.
2.
Write Gibberish–
There will be days you will be completely stuck and you don’t have any clue
what to write. In those moments, I love to send my character on an errand, get
into a fight, or kiss some random stranger. The sillier, the more freeing.
Remember, it’s okay to write gibberish in order to keep yourself writing. If
it’s bad, there’s always the delete button! But I think you’ll be surprised at
how much ‘gibberish’ ends up being amazing.
Write Gibberish–
There will be days you will be completely stuck and you don’t have any clue
what to write. In those moments, I love to send my character on an errand, get
into a fight, or kiss some random stranger. The sillier, the more freeing.
Remember, it’s okay to write gibberish in order to keep yourself writing. If
it’s bad, there’s always the delete button! But I think you’ll be surprised at
how much ‘gibberish’ ends up being amazing.
3.
Move!
Don’t only write in one place every day. Move to different rooms, write outside,
curl up in the library with your laptop, or find a new coffee shop. Also, make
sure you take brief breaks during your writing day. During those breaks, run in
place, do jumping jacks, or just go for a walk. Exercise is proven to stimulate
the brain.
Move!
Don’t only write in one place every day. Move to different rooms, write outside,
curl up in the library with your laptop, or find a new coffee shop. Also, make
sure you take brief breaks during your writing day. During those breaks, run in
place, do jumping jacks, or just go for a walk. Exercise is proven to stimulate
the brain.
4.
Have a
Plan– Before you begin, outline your book. You can do a full outline like I
have here,
or something more general here.
This is a great roadmap to keep you on track. The key to remember is it’s okay
to deviate or take side paths. And here’s the big kicker, it’s okay to throw
the whole outline out the window and just go with it! Here’s
a video that shows me creating my plot grid for NaNoWriMonth.
Have a
Plan– Before you begin, outline your book. You can do a full outline like I
have here,
or something more general here.
This is a great roadmap to keep you on track. The key to remember is it’s okay
to deviate or take side paths. And here’s the big kicker, it’s okay to throw
the whole outline out the window and just go with it! Here’s
a video that shows me creating my plot grid for NaNoWriMonth.
5.
Twitter
Sprints– Sometimes my most productive days are when I participate in word
sprints on Twitter. Basically I put out a call on Twitter asking if anyone
wants to word sprint with me. We choose a time and length of writing (usually
30 min or 1 hour) and write as fast as possible. Then whoever is a part of the
sprint reports back and must post their word count. Winner gets to choose a
picture for all the losers to change their avatar to.
Sprints– Sometimes my most productive days are when I participate in word
sprints on Twitter. Basically I put out a call on Twitter asking if anyone
wants to word sprint with me. We choose a time and length of writing (usually
30 min or 1 hour) and write as fast as possible. Then whoever is a part of the
sprint reports back and must post their word count. Winner gets to choose a
picture for all the losers to change their avatar to.
For more on NaNoWriMonth sprints
go here.
Need ideas on how to prep for NaNoWriMonth? Check out my
video here. Feel free to write with me on the NaNoWriMonth
boards here. I’ll be working on a new project too! I wish
you all the best in your writing. I have a feeling it’s going to be an amazing
November!
video here. Feel free to write with me on the NaNoWriMonth
boards here. I’ll be working on a new project too! I wish
you all the best in your writing. I have a feeling it’s going to be an amazing
November!
Good luck everyone and happy writing!
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