NaNoWriMo Checklist
NaNoWriMo 2018 is just around the corner, which means every writer across the world is getting ready for the ultimate annual writing challenge – 50,000 words in the space of one month. The purpose of the challenge is get writers actually writing no matter where they are in their writing career. Renowned authors use November to finish off there 10th novel, while first time writers get a head start on their debut. Some even use it to work on their editing.
You can take this checklist with you to read later if you want. Get the PDF here.
8 Tips to Get you Organised ahead of NaNoWriMo
Whichever kind of writer you are, the goal can seem a little overwhelming at first, which is why The Writing Resource has an eight point checklist to help get you organised before the big kick off on the 1st of November.
- Pick Your Style
- Some writers like to plan out their novel before they start others prefer to sit down on day one and just go for it. So, join the great debate and claim your team – are you are Planner or a Pantser?
- Choose Your Weapon
- In old-fashioned style some people prefer pen and paper to write out their novels. Others love the spend and ease of a laptop. Either way make sure you’ve got an ample supply of pens, paper, or electricity (and chargers!).
- Set The Soundtrack
- An epic soundtrack is what makes a movie – but for some writers background noise can be distracting. Set up the perfect playlist to write to on spotify, listen to cafe noises on Youtube (or at a real cafe), or find a way to enjoy dead silence while you write.
- Make a Scene
- Just as important as the soundtrack is the scene. a library, a cafe, an home study. Set your location and make sure it’s supplied with snacks, your chosen weapons, and anything you need to make it through the 30 day haul.
- List Your Goals
- The ultimate goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. But this doesn’t have to be your goal. If it seems overwhelming you could decrease the goal to something more doable like 30,000 words. Perhaps you’re editing your book and want to get through a certain amount of chapters instead. Or maybe you’d rather count hours spent writing.
- Plan Your Schedule
- Whatever your goals might be, it can be useful to set out a general schedule. Are you a early bird or a night owl? Will there be some days you can’t write at all and others days you can write a lot? You can join the official NaNoWriMo website and log your words to track progress and keep an eye on your schedule.
- Gather Your Team
- This could be family and friends to cheer you on and encourage you while you attempt to beat NaNoWriMo. Or perhaps you have a writing buddy who loves to weave stories as much as you do. You can also join online communities like our very own one here at The Writing Resource where you can participate in forums and find inspiration – join here for free.
- Bring Your A-Game
- Being in the right headspace is super important to produce your best work, but it’s not always easy. So, set yourself up for success, hunt down the inspiration you need and don’t give up!
If you found these eight steps useful take them with you! We have a free PDF you can print out and use in the lead up to NaNoWriMo. Just fill out your details below!
