We are seven days into National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and all over the world writers are tapping their keyboards as fast as their fingers can fly. In this annual challenge, it’s all about getting words on paper – more precisely, at least 50,000 of them in thirty days. In honor of those who are participating, I’ll keep my post short, because this is writing time – not reading time.
Here are a few tips that have helped me when I’m trying to reach that remarkable (and surprisingly achievable) goal.
- Let the words flow in a stream of consciousness way. Now is not the time to worry about structure, spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
- Don’t go back and edit. This will only bog you down. Keep moving forward.
- Set a daily word goal. For me, this would be at least 2,000 words a day, because I want to build a cushion to make up for times when I don’t write as many words as I’d like.
- Realize it isn’t necessary to make your daily goal all at once. Break it up into manageable chunks, such as 500 words several times throughout the day.
- Never use contractions. “Can’t” is one word. “Can not” is two.
- Resist the urge to Google anything. If there’s something you’re questioning, highlight it for fact-checking later and move on.
- Allow your characters to speak for themselves. They may surprise you.
Stick to your plan, and by the end of November, you’ll have a rough manuscript, or as some like to say, you will have shoveled enough sand into the sandbox. Feel free to brag a little about your accomplishment and indulge in a favorite treat. Then take a December break. You deserve it. In January, tackle the interesting part. Start the process of sifting through sand to build castles.
While it’s true NaNoWriMo is a harrowing and time-consuming discipline, when it’s over, you have completed what most people never will. The first draft of a novel.
Okay, break time is over, and I hope you’ve been inspired. Now get back to the keyboard and write!
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Pat Wahler is author of the historical novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and a mixed-media holiday collection, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. She is co-author of a picture book, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
6 Responses
These are good tips. I think I’m more creative when I write like this. Sometimes I’m surprised what comes out!!
Margo, it is amazing when you let the words come without censuring them. I’ve learned several things I didn’t know before about my characters!
Pat, I agree, you should allow the words to flow in a stream of consciousness way. I find that is the easiest way to develop a piece, just start with an image or thought. My best to you on your writing. November is nearly half over.
Thanks, Linda! Yes, that’s the only way I can get a lot of words down in a short period of time.
By the way, congratulations on your latest CS contract!
Great tips, Pat. I haven’t done NaNo in a couple of years, but the times I participated were a positive experience. I learned a lot about my own personal writing process and discovered for the first time how freeing it is to “just write” without editing as I go.
Lisa, you’re right. It’s all about silencing the internal editor and writing. Often easier said than done, though, I must say! 🙂