Buzz
NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month, presents a challenge: write a 50,000-word novel within the confines of November. For those under 18, the Young Writers Program offers flexibility in word count goals. Adults, 13 and older, can engage in the standard program. It fosters a communal writing experience with enticing rewards for victors, including complimentary copies of their work, editing and self-publishing manuals, software discounts, and more.
NaNoWriMo, affectionately called NaNo, originated in 1999 when Chris Baty dared his companions to produce 50,000 words in thirty days. Since then, it has burgeoned into a global phenomenon, boasting over 100,000 participants worldwide, with over 15,000 successfully completing the challenge in 2007.
Procedures
NaNoWriMo Assistance
Exemplary Writing Timetable
Ideas Brewing for NaNoWriMo
An Excerpt from a NaNoWriMo JourneyEngage in NaNoWriMo Adventure
Explore Nanowrimo.org and register for an account. The event commences on November 1st, but you can register at any time throughout the year. If you're below 13, you can opt for their Young Writer's Program. (NaNoWriMo also hosts 'Camp NaNoWriMo' in April and July.)
Engage in the forums for novel support and assistance. They not only ignite your writing enthusiasm but also offer valuable insights to enrich your narrative, resources to enhance your word count, access to online thesauri and dictionaries, and a platform to connect with fellow writers in your area. Participating actively in the forum, whether by observing or contributing, enhances your determination to persevere, as you're surrounded by a community sharing the same journey.
Explore creative challenges on the NaNoWriMo forum. These challenges involve incorporating quirky plot twists, characters, or objects into your narrative. NaNoWriMo prioritizes quantity over quality, so many participants enjoy embracing as many challenges as possible. One popular challenge is the Traveling Shovel of Death™, a tool often used for dramatic effect. Another amusing task involves integrating characters with names that are anagrams of 'NaNoWriMo,' such as Mr. Ian Woon or Norman Iwo.
Consider reading 'No Plot? No Problem' by Chris Baty, the visionary behind NaNoWriMo. While optional, this book offers valuable insights and preparation for the November writing frenzy. It provides practical tips and a glimpse into the exhilarating yet challenging four-week journey ahead. Additionally, it assists in planning and organizing essential supplies before embarking on your writing adventure.
Craft a storyline. Don't hesitate to explore plot ideas available in the adopt-a-plot thread on the forums—they're up for grabs. Your plot doesn't need to be overly detailed; even chapter summaries will suffice. The plan serves as a guide for moments when you feel stuck, but don't be afraid to deviate from it entirely. Many NaNoWriMo participants even title their novels and name their characters before outlining the plot, which is perfectly acceptable. You're allowed to outline your plot beforehand, but the actual writing must occur during November.
Set up your writing sanctuary. To validate your word count, your final submission must be in .txt format or a copy-pasteable electronic document. While you can write by hand or use a typewriter, having a well-lit space with a comfortable chair is essential as you'll be spending considerable time there.
Prepare your 'NaNoWriMo Survival Kit.' Stock up on energy drinks, soda, and easy-to-eat snacks to sustain yourself during long writing sessions. Many writers also curate specific 'writing playlists' comprising CDs or MP3s. Additionally, ensure you have an ample supply of notebooks and your favorite pens for jotting down ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
Nurture your storyline. Even if you only possess a vague notion of where your narrative is headed, embrace it. Quantity outweighs quality in NaNoWriMo, but an engaging story facilitates the writing process. Don't shy away from introducing complications—kill off a character, introduce a surprise pregnancy, unveil a new antagonist, or expose the depths of a character's flaws. Watch how your characters respond and allow the plot to evolve, even if it deviates from your initial intentions. Sometimes, the unexpected twists are the most enjoyable.
Confirm your word count. As midnight on November 30 approaches, the crucial moment arrives: stop writing. Even if you haven't reached the 50,000-word mark, your writing must cease, and your word count as of November 30 becomes final. Remember, even achieving 10 or 20k words is an accomplishment beyond what many achieve. To verify your word count, upload your manuscript to the NaNoWriMo website, ensuring privacy concerns are addressed with available encryption tools.
Schedule your novel's editing phase. In the NaNoWriMo spirit, refrain from editing during November, allowing your novel to undergo necessary cleanup afterward. Be prepared to invest approximately a year in editing to polish your work for public consumption.
Consider sharing your completed or nearly completed novel, and how to do so. If inclined, distribute copies to friends, family, and fellow NaNoWriMo participants. While some authors opt for traditional publishing routes, many manuscripts require extensive revisions for print publication. Alternatively, self-publishing or online publication are viable options, each with their own considerations regarding copyright and distribution.
Helpful Suggestions
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If you're handwriting your NaNoWriMo manuscript, tally the words on each page to avoid a daunting task later. While tedious, this practice minimizes the page pileup. During verification, utilize a random word generator to match your word count, simplifying the verification process on the NaNo site.
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If you're a young writer, explore ywp.nanowrimo.org—a platform tailored for individuals under 18. Here, you can set any word goal suitable for your age group.
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If you're using a computer, remember to save your work frequently and back up your manuscript daily to prevent potential losses.
Important Reminders
- The forums can be captivating, but ensure they don't distract you from your writing endeavors.
- Remember, NaNoWriMo is about enjoyment. Despite its challenges, it's meant to be a rewarding experience.
- Dismiss any notions of a second-year curse—it's merely a myth. Focus on your writing goals without letting unfounded fears deter you.
- Your initial NaNoWriMo draft may be rough, but remember, the aim is to prove your capability of crafting a 50,000-word story in a month. Consider the potential of refining your work over a longer period.
- Be cautious of negative influences from family or friends regarding your writing ambitions.
- Ensure you allocate sufficient time for your other commitments alongside NaNoWriMo. It's not an excuse to neglect other responsibilities.
- Embrace the likelihood of characters steering your plot in unexpected directions—it often leads to richer storytelling experiences.
- Resist the urge to edit during November. You'll have ample time to refine your manuscript later.
- Guard against technological mishaps and physical damage to your writing materials by backing up your work regularly and keeping essential supplies nearby.
- While your writing quality may fluctuate during NaNoWriMo, trust that your skills will rebound with practice using word prompts.
- Avoid all-night writing sessions unless absolutely necessary. Consistent progress is key to completing your novel.
Essential Supplies
- Whether using a computer or writing by hand, ensure you have the necessary tools—a word processor, notebooks, and pens. Inspiration strikes unpredictably, so be prepared.
- Keep plenty of your favorite snacks on hand to sustain your energy throughout writing sessions.
- Caffeine is optional but can provide an extra boost during long writing sessions.
- Always have a backup plan for storing your story. Losing progress halfway through the month can be disheartening.
