Nanowrimo: Follw this formula for writing your November Novel

By: Kaela Avila

For authors, writing a novel may take months or even years to complete. For National November Writing Month however, the event pushes the mindset of the writer right from the beginning, a total of 50,000 words ending as the finish line. Along the way, writers can track their daily writing progress and earn badges when they meet a certain amount of words.

Throughout the writing of the rough draft, however, writers will be forced to face many obstacles, such as writer’s block, inconsistency of events and the most obvious being the enormous time restraint. Scouring through many other author’s forums, here are tips that seem to help many writers for this time of the year.

One: Have the end in mind. Even if it’s one event or one character, it’s best to have a starting point to your novel. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and writing that one useless scene may lead your novel down the path an interesting plot.

Two: Have a regular writing routine. When there is a time you know you’re supposed to write, your brain will follow along with the schedule and keep your progress in check.

Three: Be focused. It takes a lot write 50,000 words in under a month, so the times you give for writing should be for mostly writing, and not for scrolling through Facebook. Use the limited time you have wisely.

Four: If there seems to a be a block, skip it and move on. There may seem to be a problem with a story character or a certain event, and that’s OK to leave it be for now if it’s stopping your writing momentum.

Five: Write everywhere. If there’s a miniscule break, it would be best to use it to your full advantage. The times where you can get anything down on document are just as important as your designated writing time.

Six: Save the current progress frequently. There’s nothing worse than having three long chapters gone instantly because your computer was on low battery. Make sure you keep your progress saved in at least two different places before stopping for the day. Better safe than sorry.

Seven: Take breaks and replenish your hunger. It’s hard to think on an empty stomach, so the occasional walk or snack time will help your mind rest before getting back to work.

Eight: It’s supposed to be a draft, so editing comes later. Leave the spelling errors, incorrect grammar usage and forgotten punctuation for later. Wait until the novel is finally complete to go back to review and revise.

In all, National November Writing Month is a time for authors to push themselves to the limit of their creative abilities while also facing a vicious timespan of only the 30-day month of November. For any other details of NaNoWriMo, go to http://nanowrimo.org/.

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