Last year I participated in NaNoWriMo and its official, I’m going to torture myself again this year.
For those of you who don’t know, NaNoWriMo is a month-long marathon where writers start writing frantically on November 1 and finish November 30. The only thing that matters during NaNoWriMo is writing 50,000 words.
I shocked myself last year by not only reaching 50,000 but exceeding it. Here’s my summary from last year:
-*- reached 50,918 by the 20th November
-*- reached 77,537 & THE END on the 28th November
-*- endured 1 migraine & lots of body aches from sitting so long
-*- bludged 6 days – no writing done
-*- highest wordcount day – 5,782 words
So, what can you do to participate in NaNoWriMo? First sign up on the NaNoWriMo site and read some, or all, of the great tips and prepare for November 1. Particularly join a chat room – I found fantastic inspiration in the erotic fiction forum.
Since I’m already signed up I know what else I need :
* A killer idea and outline to write from (yes, I’m a plotter)
** A notebook for recording my random thoughts & plot ideas during the writing day
*** A calendar to track my progress and with pretty stickers as rewards
**** Pictures & a music soundtrack to keep me writing when things get hard
A hint for new participants. Stock the shelves with groceries, pay the bills, and have a cleaning frenzy before November 1. To reach 50,000 you really have to let a lot slide during the month and when you’re not writing, make sure you spend all your time with the family.
NaNoWriMo is an exhausting month but a fantastic way to write that book. Are you brave enough ?
If you are up for the challenge let me know so I can cheer you on!
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