5 NaNoWriMo Tips to Help You Write 50,000 Words in November

5 NaNoWriMo Tips to Help You Write 50,000 Words in November

Writing 50,000 words in 30 days sounds crazy, right? However, it’s a feat that over 400,000 people attempt every November during National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo.

The goal is to write a novel in a month – giving thousands of writers around the world a reason to write the piece they’ve been putting off. It’s a lofty goal, but it’s not impossible with the right tools and NaNoWriMo prep to get you started on the right foot, keep you writing throughout the month, and to remind you of the reward waiting at the end of the finish line.

So throughout November, here are a few NaNoWriMo tips we’ve gathered to ensure that your November is a success.

1. 1. Get Started.

      • “A journey of a thousands miles must begin with a single step” – Laozi. The hardest part of NaNoWriMo, much like any other daunting undertaking, is simply starting. Whether you’re a published author, or simply curious about the idea – first thing you need to do is sign-up! After that, the fun begins. Carry a notebook with you and scribble down plot points and characters, do a freeflow write, think of titles, and be careful not to judge your brainstorming too critically. Bad ideas lead to better ones. Do whatever it takes to get the ball rolling and the rest will follow one step at a time. For a full explanation of NaNoWriMo and the sign-up process – check out our previous post here.

1. 1. Create a Schedule. 

      • November has 30 days, so in order to write 50,000 words in 30 days, you have to average around 1,667 words a day. Or, if you prefer a weekly goal that’s roughly 12,500 words a week. We know, the numbers are scary. But having a plan and a schedule will ease your anxiety and minimize the stress of falling behind.
      • You know your schedule and work habits best. Be realistic about your time and schedule and don’t underestimate your commitments. To help, here are two pace-planning options for you to use throughout the month: one digital – Pacemaker Planner and the other a printable calendar made by Dave Seah, a former NaNoWriMo participant.

1. 1. Join the NaNoWriMo community

      • One of NaNoWriMo’s greatest benefits is its massive network of writers. Find your region, participate in local events, join the conversation in the forums, and find a writing buddy, (NaNo stats have shown that those who have writing buddies or twice as likely to complete the challenge.) Give yourself as many reasons as possible to remain engaged and motivated throughout the month – it’ll help pull you through when the going gets tough. 

1. 1. Get the tools the pros are using

      • Making sure you have the right tools to write is key. Here are some of the tools past NaNoWriMos and authors love:
        • For peak efficiency + productivity
          • Freedom: block distracting apps + sites across all your devices
          • Pomodoro Technique +  Online timer: stay on task and prevent burnout
          • Bagby
        • Word-processors:
          • Scrivener
          • Evernote (Free)
          • CalmlyWriter
        • Ambient sounds + music for focus and calm
          • Brain.fm
          • Focus@Will
        • Editors:
          • Hemingway
          • Grammarly
        • Storyboarding
          • Trello – and for more information on how to use Trello to storyboard – check out this video

1. Learn from those who came before you

1. • • Lucky for you this is NaNoWriMo’s 20th year, which means that there are thousands of people who have chosen to walk this path before you. You’re not alone and there are plenty of people and resources out there that can better prepare you. We also had the opportunity to interview three best-selling authors, Farrah Rochon, Eloisa James, and J.T. Ellison  and got their best tips, techniques, and writing advice.
   • Also be sure to check out NaNo’s pep-talks for practical advice, insight, and inspiration from writing experts and best-selling authors.

Have you participated in NaNoWriMo? What’s the best advice you received? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below or tweet at us @Freedom