How to Win NaNoWriMo
It’s a monumental challenge that many writers happily embrace: Write a 50,000 word novel during the 30 days of November. NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month, has become an annual tradition that attracts writers from around the world and is a test of a writer’s determination, endurance and skill. To win, you must finish your novel in those 30 days then upload it for the organizers to verify your word count.
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Instructions
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How to Win NaNoWriMo
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Go to the official NaNoWriMo website and sign up for the current year’s contest. Take a few minutes to read the rules of NaNoWriMo, so you know exactly what to expect from the experience.
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Get involved by joining in the discussions at the NaNoWriMo forums. You can discuss plots, characters or just chat with other writers embarking on the novel writing marathon.
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According to contest rules, you are not allowed to start writing your novel until November 1 at midnight. However, you can begin fleshing out your plot and outlining your story as early as you want, so take advantage and plan your novel well before NaNoWriMo kicks off.
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Write character sketches after you've outlined your plot. Knowing your characters, where they come from, and who they are before you begin writing your novel will make the writing process much smoother.
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Set a schedule so you can meet your 50,000 word goal by the end of November. Try to allow yourself at least two hours each day to write.
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Spread the word and let others know you are participating in NaNoWriMo to help you keep on track and so you can be held accountable to someone other than yourself.
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Write and keep writing when you sit down to compose your daily pages. Do not edit as you write.
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Stick to your word count each day. However, don’t stop if you reach your daily word count and you’re on a roll. Keep writing as long as you have the inspiration and stamina.
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Stop writing on November 30. If you’ve reached the 50,000 word count, you can upload your novel to have it verified by the organizers of NaNoWriMo, which means you’ll be listed as a winner of the month-long contest.
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Tips & Warnings
Technically, you only need to write 1,667 words each day of November to meet your 50,000 word goal. Keep in mind, though, that things happen and you may not be able to meet that word count goal every day, so prepare for that eventuality when you create your schedule.
If you worry about someone stealing your novel if you upload it for verification, you can use a scrambler so no one can see your actual content but your word count can still be verified.
Don’t expect your novel to be perfect on November 30: Remember, it’s just the first draft, and now you can go back and edit your novel. The important thing is you’ve written the first draft.
