I’m Committing to NaNoWriMo In 2020

I haven’t participated in a while, but in 2020 I’m committing to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) coming up in November. Unlike past years, I have an idea for a story people have encouraged me to write. I don’t think there could be a better time write a new novel than when spending LOTS of time at home during a pandemic.

The first thing I’m going to do is follow these great tips from the Master Class website, which recommends some advanced planning. Since I am publicly announcing my intent to participate in NaNoWriMo, I’d better keep my word so as not to embarrass myself!

8 Tips for Writing a Novel in a Month:

• Come up with a rough outline beforehand. Starting the process now.
• Decide on your daily word count. 50,000 divided by 30 days is approximately 1,667 words every day. More than my usual, but still doable.
• Set aside writing time. I’m not very good at doing this. Another reason for taking part in NaNoWriMo. Perhaps a solid routine will be another benefit.
• Designate a place to write. Done.
• Find time to read for inspiration. We’ll see.
• Keep writing. Every day is the goal.
• Tailor your routine to your needs. That’s a given.
• Find other writers who are also participating. Looking forward to that.

Some consider the NaNoWriMo a waste of time because authors generally can’t write a polished novel in 30 days. That’s not the point. What it will give you is a rough draft. One year, I took what I had written on the break up of my marriage, revised it, edited it, and submitted it as an essay that ended up being published. But before I could do any of that, I had to commit to the process. Now that I’ve done that again this year, it’s feeling very official.

Here we go – ready, set, write!