National Novel Writing Month – Everyone is talking about it on Twitter and Facebook. It is November and now everyone is scrambling to make 1,667 words a day. Everyone, that is, except me.
And why not me? Because I am making NaNoWriMo work for me rather than really participating in the event like some panicked manic. I am a teacher by trade and November is a very busy month for me as children’s assessments need making, planning for the new year is due and a certain holiday season approaches. If I don’t make NaNo work for me, it won’t work at all. Instead of writing 1,667 words a day, I’ve effectively halved that and set myself a target of 5K a week.
So, aiming for 25K over the season, what are the strategies I know already that work for me?
- Do word sprints
Word sprints – type without distractions and breaks for short periods of time. I tend to do 20 minutes for a sprint and can get 500 words out or around about that mark. The aim isn’t so much the quality but to get the quantity – to whistle through the story so that the edit can go and fix all the mistakes later on.
- Attend events
I attend a writing group weekly, and we write for an hour together. I love this time of the week – it is one of my most productive times. Hearing other people’s ideas also helps inspire me. I plan to attend as many NaNo events as I can, work permitting.
- Put a contract out for the inner critic
I wrote recently a blog post saying ‘Don’t get it right, get it written’. The inner critic was an issue for me for a long time, but that little git hides when I write now. You can’t be judgemental about your own work. I call my first draft a ‘vomit draft’ and then allow the first edit to polish it up before I show it off to anyone. Terry Pratchett said the first draft is simply you telling yourself the story. Don’t let your critic inside your brain put any dampener on that.
- Make a commitment
I have made my commitment and I have told the world – now, pride will make me keep my word. I like to be able to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak.
- Get family support
This one is crucial for me. With a small child, it is vital to make sure you give your family time. However, you can share your writing goals with them and get their support too. For instance, talking with Herself to make sure that there is no impediments to going to NaNoWriMo events and the like.
This year is the first time I’m trying a reduced target. In 2017, I managed to do nearly 40K in one month, and this time last year, I didn’t participate for various reasons. This year, I know how busy I am going to be and I’ve made plans.
So, lets see how this goes! Out of interest, are people interested in reading what I write (if it gets a little polished first that is)? I hope so, but I’m not going to post twoddle and I’ll not make people suffer my wiring if they don’t want to. lol.
Good luck to you all, NaNoWriMo’ers and those who aren’t participating this year.
Imagine Erratically 