Do’s and Don’ts of NaNoWriMo
Are you ready for National Novel Writing Month? If you’re participating in NaNoWriMo, November feels like it flies by in an instant. It may be the start of the month for you or it might be the end, but it’s never too late to win NaNo.
There’s plenty of posts out there about how to win NaNoWriMo. But you don’t have time to read those, do you? It’s November already so it’s time to write!
Here you go, your list of do’s and don’ts for National Novel Writing Month, simplified so you can get back to writing that novel.
Do Write Everyday
It may not be a lot, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, but get something written every single day.
Don’t Take a Day off
You’ll regret it, and you’ll just have to write double tomorrow.
Do Socialize Online and at Events
These are the people who understand what you’re going through. It’s an amazing community that will provide you with the motivation you need to win.
Don’t Use the Writing Prompts
A lot of times at events or online you’ll see writing prompts being used. If you’re serious about your novel and the story you’re trying to tell, ignore these.
Do Try Word Sprints
Word sprints, or word wars, are amazing ways to increase your word count. You may not have thought that writing could be a competitive sport, but it absolutely can be.
Don’t Delete Anything
Maybe there’s a scene that just doesn’t work, or maybe 10,000 words in you hate the story but have a great idea for a new one. Don’t delete anything! Use it as part of your word count anyway.
Do Work Ahead
Ahead by 3,000 words? Excellent! Now make sure you sit down and write your 1,667 words anyway.
Don’t Edit
If you’re like most writers, editing is soul-sucking and an easy way to get discouraged and lose a lot of time. Focus on editing during NaNoEdMo.
Do Decide You’ll Win
Because you will. Don’t let yourself think otherwise.
Don’t Stop Writing
Once November is done and NaNoWriMo is over, keep writing. Keep working on your novel. If you made the time for NaNo all month, there’s no reason you can’t write at least a couple thousand words every month of the year.
Good luck, fellow WriMos!