NaNoWriMo Prep Time!

Hello, fellow writing life forms!

It’s fall! Finally! PSL, Halloween, spooky vibes, NaNoWriMo, am I right?

So, I’ve gathered you all here today to talk about the spooky vibes and—

I’m kidding. Let’s talk NaNoWriMo! More specifically, how to make NaNoWriMo really count.

Fifty thousand words are no joke. But they’re not the important thing here.

“But Joanna, how are we going to win Nano if we don’t hit the 50K?”

Weeeell. This might be a controversial opinion but the 50K is not how you “win” NaNoWriMo. Sure, if you want to have that lovely little banner, do ahead and add the word count in. But as someone who’s completed three NaNoWriMo manuscripts (and polished, and queried), I will always be on the “the word count doesn’t matter” team.

The goal isn’t the 50K.

The goal is to write a draft (first, zero, skeleton draft, whatever you want to call it) that will be the foundation of your novel.

NaNoWriMo is an amazing motivational and inspirational tool, and if you use it right, it can absolutely speed up your drafting process and boost your new project up.

Leaving all the planning for the last minute has never really worked for me, so I’m going to share my personal tips how to make NaNo a positive, stress-free experience. And if you’re an ADHD easily overwhelmed mess like me, this might help you, too.

Tip 1. Set a goal

I know. So obvious. Seriously, though. Set your goal. If you’re a fast drafter, you can go beyond 50K. If word count stresses you out, put a lower number and make a list of mini goals you want to achieve.

Do you want to create a solid scene-by-scene outline for your novel? Set that as your goal instead of a word count. The website only allows for a number of words to be your final goal, but who says you can’t have a NaNo journal and keep your own score?

Whatever your goal is, make sure it’s clearly outlined to YOU.

Tip 2. Plan

Whether you’re a plotter or pantser, you still need a plan.

If you’re a plotter who wants to complete a first or zero draft, then take your time outlining before NaNo starts. Write a messy synopsis, give it to your trusted CP for feedback or/and plot hole check. Whatever your pre-writing process is, spend some time planning and outlining so NaNo goes smoothly for you.

If you’re a pantser: plan your characters, write character cards, make a moodboard, a playlist, set the vibe. Get inspired. Plan your writing process.

Tip 3. Revamp your writing space

This is a fun one. Call it a creative renovation if you wish. Declutter that space. Make it nice and pretty. Add a candle, or a bunch of pretty notebooks, a set of sharpies, or a skull. Whatever floats your boat. Just make your space feel exciting to be in.

Tip 4. Schedule your writing time

That one is never easy for me. But if we want that draft done by the end of the month, sacrifices must be made, right? And, no, don’t go hunting goats. Please.

Make sure you leave enough time for yourself to write. If you’re more productive in a particular time of the day, leave it free for your NaNo project.

Tip 5. Join a group

Sharing your NaNo struggles with other writers can help you not feel alone in this. Check with your writer friends. Post about NaNo on your socials. Finding a group of other NaNo participants isn’t really hard these days, and joining one can make NaNo feel less daunting. Besides, you could make new writer friends, so it’s a win-win.

Tip 6. Stock on supplies

Do you need a new journal? A pretty desk calendar just for November? A writerly anxiety-relief plushie? A special blend of fancy tea that makes you feel like a modern-day Mary Shelley? Get it.

That’s it, folks! Good luck, and don’t forget to have fun during NaNo!