Like I announced on my LAST POST I will be participating in National Novel Writing Month. I have a little over a month to prepare for this monthlong journey and I’m already panicking with preparation, so I’ve decided to make a list on what I need to do:
- GET ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS: Notepads for scratching down notes: legal-sized is best because it allows you more space to get creative. Get a Mobile File Folding Cart. This filing cabinet if wonderful! It’s light and very portable. (If all goes well I am planning on beginning my filing system soon). Get a mini-notebook to keep with you at all times so if an idea pops in your mind all you have to do is write it down. File Jackets have saved my life as far as keeping things organized. These large folders are big enough (depending on if you get the large size) to put your legal-sized notepad in. Of course you’ll need pens, but you will need an eraser. Since I’m in the editing process, you will need an eraser, on you love. HERE is a link to the eraser that I have. Sticky Notes are my favorite item to use when writing, editing or jotting down reminders about your characters to place on your computer screen. Write an outline for your novel. If you’re like me, you probably are beginning to wonder what to write. Using an outline will prevent you for completely stressing out and might help writer’s block stay away…or postpone his visit until you write your next book.
- MAKE GOALS: Writing 50,000 words seems like a lot, but it averages to be around 1,650 words a day. It doesn’t seem that bad once you see the number, right? I’m not saying that there won’t be days when you can’t even write 500 because there will, and that’s okay. You can create a writing schedule for yourself, similar to a To Do List. Say you write 500 words a day at the least and if you don’t make it, make it up during the weekends. Don’t worry, you can do it!
- GET A SUPPORT GROUP: Having a friend or a writing support group during the month of November, can be a wonderful thing. If you’re up for it, have them read what you’ve written and talk things over. If you bounce thought between each other, most of the time you’ll be lucky enough to get a burst of inspiration.
- PUMP YOURSELF UP: Get excited! If you’ve never taken part in NaNoWriMo before but have always wanted to write a novel, this is your chance. You can do it! If you have, then remember how it felt when you finished writing your first book.
- WAIT FOR IT TO BE 12:00:01 ON NOVEMBER 1st of 2011: Now that you’re ready, all you have to do is wait for time to pass. Remember to breathe to calm your nerves. It’s important to not stress before you get going.
- WRITE: It’s time to start writing and by then end of the month, you’ll be able to say, “I wrote a book in a month!”