Setting Yourself Up for NaNoWriMo Success!

If you're participating in National Novel Writing Month, take a step back and consider this before overcommitting yourself. Your stress level will thank you for it.

Okay, in case you need a refresher, you can learn more about National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo here. They provide your with communities you can be a part of, a word count dashboard, incentives and goal setting, etc. All of which you can use (I think for free, at least it used to be) OR not use any of it. It's completely up to you and your comfort level.

Some writers have a fear of overcommitting and therefore never even start. Or they start small and move slowly, which is totally fine. It's better to under promise and over deliver, right? Other writers (like me) often jump in head first and run with it - asking questions and reconsidering everything later. :)

If you're considering participating in November's National Novel Writing Month, especially if it's for the first time, here are some important things to consider before you commit.

Remember, the goal is to set ourselves up for success, not failure. Even tweaking the smallest things in your daily routines can benefit your creative mind and help keep you more focused.

If you are considering participating, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you need to move around in your schedule to make more writing time?

• How much time (realistically) do you have to write each week?

• What would you have to accomplish each week in order to meet your goal at the end of the month?

• If you have a partner, are they willing to take on a few extra chores or tasks for the month so you can focus on writing?

• Are you taking November travel or increased family obligations as we move into the holiday season (especially if you observe Thanksgiving) into consideration?

These are important questions to ask before overcommitting yourself to NaNoWriMo. Especially if you are a person who sets goals and MUST MEET THEM. The stress is real for people like us, who don't want to let ourselves down. And sometimes, we'll meet that goal, no matter what it costs us.

But it doesn't have to be so... all or nothing? I guess that's how I've felt in the past, specifically when I've participated in the communities and felt pressures to update my word count through the NaNoWriMo website each day for all to see. I committed to this, I will see it through. That's how I am with my goals in life, which is why I've learned to slow down, assess, and make more realistic goals over the years. My sanity thanks for me for it. :)

To start with, the best way to sabotage your creativity and momentum during NaNoWriMo is to ignore the easily anticipated distractions that could derail you in what should be a writing-focused November. And I promise you, there will be plenty of unforeseen distractions you can't prepare yourself for, so you might as well clear the deck of as many other things as possible.

HIDDEN GEM: One of my favorite blogs and "tutors" over the years has been Eva Deverell, and she does NOT disappoint when it comes to October and November NaNoWriMo prep with her extensive info guide and planning toolbox you can find (free) over on her site.

Here are some other free tools to help keep you on track during your NaNoWriMo endeavors (free as of 10/1/23):

1. Immersive Writing Sessions with Abbie Emmons (I use her writing sprints as well)

2. Noisli - white noise generator for focus

3. Pacemaker Planner (World Counter) - I use my own these days, but this can be a helpful tool, especially if you don’t want to be a part of the “official” NaNoWriMo community on their website

Remember, DON'T SET YOURSELF UP FOR FAILURE - SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS. You don't have to make your NaNoWriMo goal be 50,000 words if you know that's not possible.

Your goal can be whatever you want it to be, but sometimes it's helpful to have a dedicated, finite chunk of time to give you a little extra incentive to prioritize your writing.

For those of you who aren't interested in NaNoWriMo this year, have no fear! Next week's post will focus on how to steer clear of Self-Sabotage (as much as possible) in any writing adventure you go on.

Chat soon!

xo, Linds