If you’ve spent quite some time in the literary realm, then you might have stumbled upon writing platforms like NaNoWriMo.
But what is it exactly? And how can it leverage your writing journey?
National Novel Writing Month or commonly known as NaNoWriMo, is an annual internet-based writing marathon that happens during November.
In this challenge, writers gather to complete a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.
This challenge doesn’t cost any dime for registration but your 50,000-word draft alone.
Founder and writer, Chris Baty started this challenge in 1999 with 21 participants and has blown up to thousands of registered participants each year.
Sounds like a great place to start right?
Perhaps you always wanted to engage with large literary circles where you can level up your writing game and build connections?
Or maybe you’re facing one of the greatest curbs in dealing with procrastination?
Is it taking you too long to finish a book? Well, you’re in the right place to be.
Whatever your writing goals are, NaNoWriMo is a great venue to take your first step in finally finishing a book.
In this platform, you don’t have to be a professional writer to qualify.
All that it takes is the determination and a story to tell.
Here’s what is in store for you:
The sense of urgency is strong with NaNoWriMo’s 30-day deadline. You’re left with no choice but to sit down, sustain the momentum, and not let any distraction or inner critic get in the way.
Writing with a deadline cultivates discipline, time management, productivity, commitment to craft, and more importantly your writing skills.
NaNoWriMo doesn’t let you feel like you’re on your own. Writing is not a one-man show. This project promotes connection and exposes you to a like-minded community to acquire learnings from and share your struggles with.
You will have fun and extensive learning all at once at no cost!
Just like any other challenges that exist, NaNoWriMo also has its own set of simple rules:
Following a local time, write a 50,000-word novel/work of fiction starting at midnight on November 1 and strictly end at 11:59:59 p.m. of November 30th. No one is allowed to start before November.
The only number of words counted are the words written starting November 1st. Any previously written drafts or unfinished works are not included in the final word count, except the following: outlines, character sketches, and research.
The participant must be the sole author of your work apart from the citations or research included.
Work must reach a minimum of 50,000 words or longer, which can be a complete novel or the first 50,000 words of your novel to be completed later.
Wrimos’ novels can be in any work of fiction, theme, and language. As per NaNoWriMo’s website: "If you believe you're writing a novel, we believe you're writing a novel too."
To be considered an official winner of the challenge, your 50,000-word novel must be submitted to the NaNoWriMo website for word count validation.
It’s the time of the year again! In case you missed NaNoWriMo’s challenge last year, now’s the right time to make it up for the challenge.
And of course, you can’t go empty-handed to a writing battle you have zero experience with.
Here are some smart tips to equip you!
1. Outline your plot
Before the clock ticks on the 1st of November, it’s best to have everything laid out like your outline, plot, characters, etc.
If you’re not familiar with how outlines work, here are 4 methods to choose from and see what’s best for your initial outline:
a. Traditional Approach - execute this by breaking down your plot into sections or by chapters.
Brainstorm the details for each section and organize a summary per chapter.
b. Synopsis - this is compressing your entire plot without having to break it into chapters.
Any side-notes will do show the larger chunk of your story.
c. Snowflake Method - invented by Randy Ingermanson, this method starts with a one-sentence summary, followed with a longer summary of your novel.
The next summary should include your characters and their goals that will then expand to a more detailed scene.
The same method applies for the rest of the story elements.
d. Three-act Structure - this involves a more detailed structure of your outline that is similar to a screenplay.
Your main elements include the opening scene, inciting event, and the first turning point scene.
2. Finding time to write
Let’s admit it. It’s not easy to find the time to write 1,666 words per day when you have priorities to attend to.
But how about you give it a try with these tips?
a. Set a distraction-free writing time
b. Practice the art of ‘snap writing’. Don’t fall into a dull routine, if you have five minutes of your time to write out that idea then do it.
c. Get help with your extra-curricular activities or chores. It’s better to have breaks in between when you’re writing.
d. Make it a part of your priority and goal. Just do it. Once it’s listed on your bucket list for November, there’s no room for excuses. Just do it.
3. Hooking your readers
What makes a book unputdownable?
As a writer, you must be not only beat a deadline but also make sure your readers get hooked from one page to the next.
a. Make a promise to unveil or reveal a presumption as your story develops.
b. Entice readers with a surprising beginning and ending.
c. Know the fundamentals of narration and description.
d. Avoid making cliché characters, instead, build characters that make great a company.
e. Invite the reader as if they’re part of your story.
f. Employ tension and suspense as your story moves.
g. Keep your lines natural.
4. Getting in the mood for writing
Motivating yourself to commit to writing is hard, especially when you’re not just in the mood.
But there are effective ways to put an end to this spell with the following NaNoWriMo tips:
a. Spend a few minutes of freewriting.
b. Create an inspiring writing space.
c. Save yourself some playful writing or physical exercises.
d. Get constructive writing feedback.
e. Start with small achievable writing goals.
Once again, what is NaNoWriMo? Bottom line, NaNoWriMo is a fun area to practice your writing and cultivate healthy writing practices.
Writing is not a convenience but it sure can be defined as a success once you’re halfway to the finish line.
Remember not to focus on areas of what you can’t do. Rather, keep your eye on what you’re capable, to make that novel happen.