HowExpert - NaNoWriMo 101: A Quick Guide on How to Write a Novel in 30 Days During National Novel Writing Month

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NaNoWriMo 101

A Quick Guide on How to Write a Novel in 30 Days During National Novel Writing Month

HowExpert with Nicole Thomas

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Table of Contents

Most writers have heard of NaNoWriMo. Its National Novel Writers Month, in which one attempts to write a 50,000 word novel in just 30 days. If this sounds like a challenge, it is.

The first NaNoWriMo challenge was made up by a group of just 21 people in July 1999. They thought it would be a fun challenge to write a book in 30 days. It wasnt about fame and glory, but just about getting started writing novels. The founder, Chris Baty, never dreamed it would become what it is today.

The second year there were over a hundred people involved in the challenge, and by the third year there were 5,000 people participating. In the third year NaNoWriMo was moved to November to take advantage of the colder, more sedentary months. As the challenge took on a life of its own, the founders evolved the challenge to include definitive rules, a complex website, message boards, and finally local chapters.

By 2013, the November NaNoWriMo challenge was accepted by almost 400,000 people. It has become a fixture in the lives of many writers, one that is fun and puts them in touch with like-minded folks. With local chapters and neighborhood write-ins, would-be novelists enjoy many hours of fun filled writing and socialization.

Today, NaNoWriMo holds challenges in both July and November. Sign up for NaNoWriMo is completely free, although donations are needed and welcomed. The organization is set up as a non-profit, and relies heavily on donations and fundraisers. In addition to its website, Camp NaNoWriMo has a Facebook page to help you connect with others and stay on track. Throughout the year they post writing prompts to keep you writing all year long.

Taking up the NaNoWriMo challenge is a serious decision. It is a commitment of time and resources, mostly your creativity and hours of slaving over a keyboard. It might mean sacrificing other aspects of your life, like crafting and other hobbies. But in the end, it is well worth the effort if you really want to write a novel.

However, dont let the determination and commitment needed for NaNoWriMo take the fun out of the challenge. The whole purpose of this challenge is to have fun creating something and meeting a writing goal. It is hard work, and it takes commitment, but above all it should be a fun experience.

For some people, NaNoWriMo is a way to get started. It might be the first novel youve ever written, or it might be a way to break writers block and get started on something new. Whatever your goals, it is important that you fulfill the commitment you make when you sign up. If you do not complete the novel in 30 days, it can make you feel like a failure, and can actually inhibit your writing in the future.

In order to make the most of NaNoWriMo, youll have to plan carefully, set goals, and stick to them. Youll have to accept some untraditional views about novel writing, and be willing to take risks. If you are mentally and emotionally ready for the challenge, this book will help you follow through on your commitment.

The number one mistake that new writers make when participating in NaNoWriMo is waiting for November 1 to do anything. The problem with this is that you will spend your first two or three days just nailing down what you are going to write, losing ground on the actual writing of your novel.

You can avoid this by laying it all out and doing some preparation before-hand. The actual writing of the novel is what must happen within that 30 days. There is nothing against the rules in preparing yourself for the journey.

You will want to start preparation for NaNoWriMo 3-5 days before the first of November. This doesnt seem like much time, but it is ample opportunity to get everything lined out to be able to start writing on the first. If you dont have a lot of free time, you might want to extend your preparation by a few days.

During this time you are going to be figuring out exactly what your story is going to be about, the main characters in that story, where the story will take place, and other large details about your novel. You will also want to choose your medium and have it in place. Finally, you will create a solid plan for how you will get 50,000 words written in just 30 days.