We’re in the home stretch now! There are about two weeks left until NaNoWriMo so if you are someone who likes to prepare, you should be compiling all your notes and readying yourself for the starting line that is November 1st.

If you’re struggling, or needing further encouragement, there are a lot of resources available to you that may help. Make sure that your profile is set up on the main NaNoWriMo page, and declare your novel. Keep in mind that they have recently re-done the main site, so if you’re a previous participant things may look a little out of sorts (for example, I declared this year’s project and my stats from the last two years disappeared. I’m hoping these hiccups get fixed, which I’ve heard they are working on).

If you are looking for a group setting to give you encouragement and keep you on track, look for buddies to add to your list and set up your region. Most areas will have groups set up that have public write-ins during the month as well as other events.

The Nano website has a ton of resources for first time participants as well as those who have done it in the past. One of the great resources they provide is Nano Prep 101 which includes a free handbook that you can download. You can go at your own pace if you want, or follow the schedule they provide.

They also have sprints on twitter and write ins all over the place, if you need motivation or tools to help you get started and continue, their website is a fount of information. Check out the forums for support and to find others that you can connect with. One of your best tools could be having people that cheer you on through the month of November.

Are you ready? What resources do you find work well for you?

Happy writing!

In my last post about NaNoWriMo I talked a little bit about what I am doing leading up to November. Today I want to touch on a few more of the things I do in order to prepare as well as what I do to help me be inspired.

As I said previously, I carry a small notebook around with me in case I get sudden inspiration, but I also have my phone for running notes if I need it. Now, sometimes inspiration doesn’t want to come and is playing hard to get. One of the things I do to help keep those creative juices flowing is that I have a private board on Pinterest that is specifically full of images that I use for inspiration. I sometimes scour images looking for outfit ideas, setting ideas and even character image ideas.

Since I do work full time and have adult commitments sometimes scheduling is key. For those days that I know I’m not going to have a lot of time for writing I usually will set aside a specific block of time, no matter how small, for writing. I do keep an actual planner and write in this time.

As we get closer to November it’s important to remember that NaNoWriMo should never feel like a chore. It’s about fun and making progress on your writing endeavors. If it ever feels like a chore I would recommend rethinking your process or if you really are enjoying the story you’re creating.

Happy writing!

It’s almost that time again! I both look forward and sometimes dread Nanowrimo coming back around. I’ve definitely learned from last year in that I will not be working on a story that I’ve already started, once again I will be starting something fresh and new.

I know the question of outlining and preparing vs. just pantsing it is always asked. I typically do not outline; however, I do plan a little bit. I tend to do some rough character profiles, figure out major plot points and roughly map out at least the beginning. I have a notebook devoted to this that lives in my everyday bag so if I get an idea I can jot it down quickly. While I may write down the bones of a scene, it is not pre-writing at all as it’s not much more than quick notes.

This year is also going to be a little bit tricky since November is going to be a little busier than usual. Not only am I going to be working my day job, but I’m going to the Portland Book Festival in the beginning of the month which will likely affect my writing for a few days due to traveling and the excitement of it all. My hope is that I’ll get ahead on my word goal so I won’t be too upset if I don’t write a ton while I’m gone (though I will be writing something because you know I’m getting the badge for writing everyday).

The only other thing I’ve done to prepare is make sure that those in my life who would expect to hear from me know that I may be less available during the month of November. Yes, this is a real thing. My boyfriend lets me know when he has a game expansion coming out, I let him know when Nanowrimo is happening.

I’m excited about the new story I’ll be writing and for completing Nanowrimo three years in a row. Who else is doing Nanowrimo this year?

Happy reading (and writing)!