How to Prepare for NaNoWriMo

Undertaking the task of writing a 50,000-word novel during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) can make even the most seasoned writer nervous. By learning about techniques and resources that can help you prepare for NaNoWriMo, you'll be ahead of the game before you even begin your novel, and will have a greater chance at winning the NaNoWriMo competition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Calendar
• Notebook

1. Tell your friends and family that you will be participating in NaNoWriMo this year. Explain how the contest works to anyone who is not familiar with it. It's crucial to your success to have a support system of people who understand what you are trying to accomplish and can offer encouragement.
2. Analyze your current free-time schedule and determine if there are any activities you can cut back on or temporarily eliminate while you are participating in NaNoWriMo. This will give you additional dedicated writing periods that you can utilize during the writing competition.
3. Block out daily writing time on a calendar for each day during the month you are participating in NaNoWriMo. Take into consideration that there may be certain days of the week that can yield more designated writing time than others and adjust your writing schedule accordingly.
4. Distribute copies of your writing schedule to family and friends so they are aware of when you will be unavailable. Once people know more about your writing schedule during NaNoWriMo, they will be more respectful of your designated writing time.
5. Set aside time for brainstorming ideas about the novel you intend to write and record them using a notebook. Generate concepts surrounding your novel's plot premise, main characters and setting. Having a general blueprint for your novel will keep you on track during the writing competition.
6. Sign up or log in at the official NaNoWriMo website. This site will keep track of your word count progress during the NaNoWriMo writing competition and connect you with other writers in your region so you can give and get moral support while you are preparing for NaNoWriMo.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to include some social time in your schedule during NaNoWriMo so close friends and family don't feel neglected. This will also provide motivation for you to complete your writing for the week so you can fully enjoy being away from your computer.
• Don't try to do it all. Trying to keep up your normal schedule in addition to participating in NaNoWriMo can cause burnout.