You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo

Episode 38

 

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel Writing Month may be just the special (not-so-secret) sauce you need to get motivated. If you are taking this writing challenge, you're in for a whirlwind of creativity, inspiration, and, yes, probably a little bit (or maybe even a lot) of madness. I have tips to help you CRUSH NaNoWriMo. 

 

(Read along on the WriterSpark blog)

 

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Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• • Cinder
  • Night Circus
  • Calculating Stars
  •  Fangirl
  •  A little Something Different
  •  Absolutely Remarkable Thing
  •  Modern Girl
  •  First Grave to the Right
  •  With the Fire on High
  •  
    That means it's Nano RMO.
    If you have embraced this challenge of national novel writing month,
    listen to this quick little 13 minute podcast with my tips and my recommendations for how to stay motivated and get through the month.
    Hello.
    Hello,
    I'm Melissa Bourbon and this is the Writer Spark podcast where business creativity and the craft of writing converge.
    
    (00:28):
    Welcome.
    15 years ago,
    I was an avid reader but not a writer.
    I didn't know anything about the actual craft and I knew next to nothing about the publishing industry,
    but I had dream to become a published author and I set out to learn everything I could.
    Now,
    I'm a number one Amazon and national best selling author of more than 35 novels I've published traditionally and I recently plunged into the world of indie publishing and I teach people like you how to grow in their craft and find success in this ever changing industry.
    
    (01:01):
    I'm an ordinary person,
    a wife,
    a mom,
    a daughter,
    a teacher living in a small North Carolina town through writers Spark.
    I am doing what I love more than anything in the world which is teaching and helping others on their writing journeys.
    I'm here as your partner,
    as you navigate your own writing journey.
    I'm here to help you understand the essential elements of the writing craft,
    
    (01:24):
    to build your confidence and to help you find the success you desire.
    Welcome to the Writer Spark podcast.
    Well,
    you guys today is November 1st and that means it's the first day of National Novel Writing Month or NANO RMO.
    It is here.
    
    (01:45):
    And that means that writers all over the world have jumped into this exciting challenge.
    Whether you're an aspiring or a seasoned writer,
    National Novel Writing Month may just be the special,
    not so secret sauce that you need to get motivated.
    If you are taking this challenge,
    you are in for a whirlwind of creativity of inspiration and probably some frustration and madness,
    
    (02:10):
    but you can do it.
    So let's talk a little bit about the background of Nano RMO.
    National Novel Writing Month is an annual event.
    It has grown and grown into an international event that happens every November.
    And during this time period,
    people make a commitment to write 50,000 words,
    complete a novel,
    
    (02:30):
    a draft of a book in 30 days.
    And that book is at least 50,000 words.
    That's quite a challenge.
    It sounds daunting but committing is really half the battle as a teacher,
    I did this in my classroom.
    And it was so motivating for the students to have the community of Nano RMO.
    Right alongside them as they wrote.
    
    (02:52):
    And I've been in this challenge myself and worked with partners,
    been part of an online community and it is,
    it is so inspiring and motivating.
    So you can do this.
    Nano RMO is a great thing for writers to really dig into the process and with the right mindset and some essential tips.
    Again,
    
    (03:12):
    you can do it.
    So right now,
    I have some tips and advice to help you have a productive writing experience during this challenge,
    whether you are an experienced writer or if you're new to the game and aspiring,
    these are ways to help you stay focused,
    motivated and inspire you to reach your Nano RMO goal.
    
    (03:33):
    Some people spend October planning and that is,
    that's fine.
    Maybe you've done that,
    maybe you haven't.
    If you're a panther,
    that's fine.
    Since we're in November already,
    we're gonna skip the plan part.
    Of course,
    it's helpful to have an outline.
    So if you do,
    that's great.
    If you don't,
    that's OK.
    Some of the most wonderful magic can happen when you don't have a plan.
    
    (03:58):
    The first things first,
    the first thing you need to do is to accept that Nano rmo is going to be a chaotic month for you.
    You are trying to write 50,000 words in 30 days and not just any 50,000 words but a novel.
    It's gonna get messy,
    but that's ok.
    That's part of what it's about.
    You have to embrace the chaos.
    
    (04:20):
    You have to remember that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect.
    We're going to talk about that again.
    It just needs to exist and that's what this month is about.
    All right,
    let's get into some concrete tips to help you succeed at this massive writing challenge.
    First set aside,
    dedicated writing time each day,
    writing 50,000 words in 30 days equals 1667 words per day.
    
    (04:45):
    That can sound like a little,
    it may sound like a lot.
    Either way it is not insignificant to make this task a little less daunting.
    Set specific times when you plan to write routine is key.
    If you're an early bird,
    get up and write before anyone else is awake,
    maybe lunchtime or later in the afternoon when everything is settled down is better for you or maybe you're a night owl so you stay up late.
    
    (05:08):
    Whatever it is,
    setting that regular writing routine or schedule helps you stick with it and reach that daily word count next find or create your Zen writing space.
    An essential part of succeeding at Nano RMO is creating a great work environment for yourself.
    Your perfect writing space may look a little bit different from mine or from some of your friends who are writers or from anyone else for that matter.
    
    (05:34):
    Maybe you prefer a quiet study room or a bustling cafe,
    know what works for you and create that space for yourself.
    Find a comfortable place to sit in this Zen space for you.
    After all,
    you have to write for quite a while every day.
    So having good lighting and dec cluttering your workspace can also help you to maximize that word count by minimizing distractions.
    
    (05:57):
    Next.
    Have support a support system,
    especially during the challenge of NANO RMO,
    can be a true lifesaver whether your support comes from fellow writers,
    friends,
    family,
    or your local or online Nano RMO community.
    Having someone there who knows what you're going through can prove inspiring and it can provide motivation.
    
    (06:20):
    Our local friends of the library of which I am a board member is hosting a write in,
    for example,
    this coming up Saturday and I am going to be the one there hosting it.
    So check with your local library with meet up or with other organizations,
    writing organizations local to you to see what kind of support they might have.
    Nano Rel has a robust online writing support system and they have write ins or groups regionally as well.
    
    (06:46):
    So find buddies or a group or use social media as a way to connect with other people who are also doing this challenge.
    Silence your inner critic during Nano RMO.
    Y'all.
    It's critical that you silence your inner critic.
    Your goal is to get words on the page,
    not to write a masterpiece.
    Remember everything can be revised except that your first draft is likely to be rough.
    
    (07:12):
    Just keep writing piggybacking on that is to not strive for perfection.
    Whatever you do,
    don't let perfection derail you from participating and from succeeding Nano rmo is about quantity not quality.
    Taking the time to edit can slow your writing progress.
    
    (07:33):
    So make the plan to write now and edit later.
    Writing sprints.
    Believe me,
    when I say that writing sprints are a fantastic way to boost your word count,
    set a timer for 15 minutes or 30 minutes and then get rid of all of the distractions and just write,
    write as fast as you can see how many words you can crank out.
    
    (07:56):
    It's like a friendly competition with yourself.
    And it's a great way to be writer's block.
    Just write.
    You can also find people online on youtube that do writing sprints or you can connect with a friend and do writing sprints together.
    It could be really motivating next.
    Reward yourself,
    treat yourself when you reach milestones.
    Rewards can be motivating.
    
    (08:17):
    Come up with rewards that you can dangle in front of you as motivation because completing your daily word count or hitting your weekly goals definitely deserve some celebration.
    Don't get that pumpkin spice latte until you've reached your daily word count.
    Go for a walk when you've hit the 500 words that you plan to write.
    It can be as simple as a piece of chocolate or binge watching an episode of your favorite show,
    
    (08:38):
    whatever it is,
    reward yourself for the small things,
    take breaks this month can be intense,
    but don't let it take over,
    take time for yourself by taking breaks,
    practicing some self compassion and some self care and engaging in activities that refresh your mind and your body,
    eat healthy.
    Get out and exercise or walk,
    
    (08:59):
    get some fresh air,
    keep yourself balanced because it's really important.
    Believe in yourself right along silencing your inner critic is believing in your ability to succeed.
    Nano RMO may be a challenge and it definitely is honestly,
    but it's also a journey.
    So whether you actually hit the goal of 50,000 words or not,
    
    (09:22):
    that's not really the point.
    It's not the only point.
    You're gonna learn a lot about yourself about what you need to write,
    how you motivate yourself.
    And in the end,
    what you have accomplished is going to be something big.
    No matter how many words you actually achieved,
    you'll have a serious jumpstart on your novel or your writing project,
    
    (09:42):
    whatever it is you've got this and your story deserves to be told.
    So keep the faith and believe in yourself.
    Enjoy the process,
    Nano RMO,
    you guys is an incredible adventure.
    It is important to enjoy the process,
    to savor the small victories and to relish in the process of storytelling.
    It's not only about reaching those 50,000 words.
    
    (10:05):
    Maybe that is the thing that's motivating you and maybe you'll get there.
    Honestly,
    I have never gotten to the 50,000 words,
    but I have gotten huge jump starts on many of my books during the years that I've done the Nano rmo challenge.
    It is about the love and the passion that you are pouring into your work.
    So writing a novel is no simple task.
    Definitely don't feel discouraged if your goals don't always align with your daily life.
    
    (10:30):
    If you miss a day,
    don't make your daily word count.
    That is not the end of the world,
    keep going and enjoy the process with the journey.
    It's not only about that destination or that end goal.
    Finally celebrate,
    celebrate what you have achieved when this month is over.
    That achievement again,
    
    (10:51):
    is not necessarily reaching that 50,000 word mark.
    It is that you took this leap that you committed,
    that you worked towards this goal.
    Simply completing this challenge should be recognized and celebrated no matter what your word count ends up being once November is up and Nano RMO concludes,
    take time to review your progress,
    
    (11:13):
    reflect upon the lessons that you learned and plan what comes next with your novel because your job is not done.
    Now,
    you move on to next steps.
    Now,
    before I wrap up here are just a few books that were started or completed even during nanowrimo,
    check them out and let them inspire you about what you can achieve during this big month of writing The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Cowell fir by Rainbow Rowell.
    
    (11:43):
    A little something different by Sandy Hall.
    An absolutely remarkable thing by Hank Green,
    The Night Circus by Aaron Morgenstern.
    That was a big one with The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo.
    First grave on the right by Jorinda Jones.
    That's another big one.
    Modern Girls by Jennifer S Brown Water for Elephants by Sandra Gruen.
    
    (12:09):
    Big one.
    The Wedding Date by Jasmine Glory and Cinder by Marissa Mayer.
    These are just a few examples of books that have been started during Nano RMO that were completed during Nano RMO possibly,
    but that ultimately became traditionally published and big deals in the industry.
    
    (12:32):
    So there you have it,
    writers.
    I hope these tips help you with your Nano RMO journey.
    Again,
    these great books have been written during this time.
    Yours could be next.
    It's all about the journey and about the creativity you're gonna tap into and about the sense of accomplishment that comes from writing a novel or some part of one during a month.
    
    (12:53):
    Good luck.
    And may your writing flow like a river throughout November.
    You got this now,
    make sure you follow my Pinterest account writer Spark on Pinterest and,
    and subscribe to the youtube channel as well as there will be tips coming throughout the month to help keep you motivated and keep you on track with your Nano RMO adventure.
    
    (13:19):
    Good luck everyone.
    Thank you so much for listening and spending your time with me today,
    everyone.
    I'm Melissa Bourbon and this is the Writer Spark podcast.
    Take a moment.
    To visit our website at www dot writers spark academy dot com.
    Check out our courses,
    
    (13:39):
    our resources and all the content there.
    And I will see you next time until then.
    Happy Writing.