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42 of 52 Weeks – The Answers Part 1

28 October 2014 No Comment

… in which I reveal the answers to life, the universe and NaNoWriMo; wait a minute, I may have gotten a bit over-excited there …

Actually, I’m revealing my 42 steps to being prepared for and surviving NaNoWriMo. They’re pretty simple, and it doesn’t matter if you are a pantser or a plotser. There’s something for everyone here, and while I don’t guarantee any or all will work for you, they’ve individually worked for me in the past. Or are helping me this year, as is the case with a handful of ‘em.

  • 42. This is going at the top, so you see it now and rush out to get your bundle. Story Bundle has a great NaNoWriMo-focused ebook bundle right now, and one that is well worth paying for the bonus (because Chuck Wendig, that’s why). Click here.
  • 41. Wait, wait, wait… go sign up at NaNoWriMo if you haven’t already. Make sure you get your region selected, because each region has its own forum and group leader and awesome support. Click here.
  • 40. Make sure you have your tools and writing space ready to go. Clean your desk, defrag/virus check/clean up your computer, have a handful of notebooks, pens and pencils ready. Even if you’re not at your desk, inspiration may hit, so keep a notebook and pen on you at all times.
  • 39. Have a sit down with friends and family and explain that November is going to be crazy. Give them something to do instead of spending time with you; Dollar Stores are great for puzzles, puzzle books, picture frames (in case they get lonely without you), or better yet, give them a list of books to read!
  • 38. Have heart-to-heart with your muse (or fornit, or both in my case). Explain how you would like his/her/their cooperation in November, and how you will reward them if they’re good little helpers. Trust me, conversing aloud with these little buggers will only solidify the ‘crazy writer’ effect you’re going for.
  • 37. Stock up on your energy drink of choice. Mine is coffee, and lots of it. I’ve got a list written (I’ve unfortunately dipped into my stash of Tassimo delicacies and must replenish the stock) for a trip to the store this week. Whatever your liquid vice, stock up now, and with as much as you’ll need for the entire month.
  • 36. You know how hockey players won’t shave before the Stanley Cup? Okay, so maybe you’re not Canadian and/or hockey crazy. Take my word for it. Find your quirk and milk it for all it’s worth in November. Me? I buy or find a trinket for the desk (neopets my first year, Gaia Plushies another, a raven figurine, plasticene slugs, etc.), or as per the last two years, I buy a new blue shirt and wear it every day while I’m writing. And sleeping. And… well, as long as I’m not going out in public after the first few days… always.
  • 35. If you can spare it, and since you’re not going out to Starbucks or Timmie’s this month, you can, right? Donate $10 (or more) to the cause. You get a nifty halo for your NaNo profile, and you’re helping the NaNo folks support young writers etc. DONATE HERE!
  • 34. If you haven’t started planning, or planning to plan, or even if you’re pantsing it this year, check out Jami Gold’s Beat Sheet tutorial. I am using this along with a handful of other spreadsheet/workbooks in Excel to plan a bit this year. Click here.
  • 33. You’re going to need to keep your mojo going, so here’s a thing a lot of folks do: soundtracks. Head over to Youtube or iTunes, or wherever you listen to music/buy music/etc., and can create a playlist. Find the music that speaks to your story, or for your story. Pick…oh, I’d say 20 songs. I have more than that, but mine is combined for three novels. I haven’t done a separate one for this year, but I will. In the meantime, here my an example (2010-2013): Click here.
  • 32. Keeping that thought, have you considered what your characters look like? Have they evolved since you first thought of them? Look through celebrity photos or stock photos and save a few to use on your desktop; something to refer back to when the words are waning. It can help!
  • 31. HYDRATE! Nothing is more important than that good old H2O. Well, the words are, but without the water, there will be no words. Although I don’t usually recommend it anymore, get a few serving-size bottles of water, or better yet, a Brita sport bottle. Have cold water ready at your fingertips so you don’t dry up and make the words dry up, too.
  • 30. Hear that? That’s your stomach. You’re hungry. Reach to the left (or right) and pick up that little snack bag of crudités and have a nibble. Not into rabbit food? Okay, keep a bag of trail mix, mixed nuts, dry cereal, mini-cookies… wait, it’s not all rabbit food. Fine. Chips, crackers, pork rinds, leftover Halloween candy if you must. Something quick and non-interrupting! I’m prepping snack bags with various nibbles later this week, storing in the fridge until needed.
  • 29. Set up a specific time during the day when you will be able to write, uninterrupted. Nothing kills the flow like the phone, the kids, the spouse, the dogs, the cats, the… you get the picture. Headphones, music, close the door, put the butt in the chair, and write.
  • 28. Check in with the forums at least once every couple of days. You’re not alone, there are other bed-head, manic-eyed, crazed novelists out there. A lot of ‘em. And there is almost certainly at least one in your region, so keep in touch.
  • 27. If you run out of inspiration, look to your own life. Need a new character? How about your neighbour, or your best friend? Change it up, use your neighbour, but your best friend’s name. Hey, remember when you set fire to the patio, when you were a kid? Wait, didn’t your main character just do that? And you get the point I’m making. If you’ve seen it, done it, or thought about it, you can write it.
  • 26. Stock up on bathroom tissue. I could say ’nuff said, but I feel I have to point out the horrible 3 AM writing blitz revelation that there was absolutely NO tp anywhere in the house. You’re a writer… use your imagination.
  • 25. It doesn’t have to be good, it just has to be written. Good comes later, in December, when you’re free to edit to your little heart’s content. November? NO EDITING. Just write.
  • 24. You have friends, right? I mean real-life, in the flesh, can give hugs friends? Tell them they can rescue you for one hour every week. You’ll need the break, and so will they. They’ll want to know all about how you’re doing, what’s the story, etc. Give them some face time, and they’ll more than likely be happy to leave ya alone for the rest of the week. Besides, you haven’t showered and there is something stuck to your cheek.
  • 23. I know, I know. 1667 words in a day seems like a lot, but there IS a way to get around that early on. How? Ride the wave of initial excitement straight into extra words; if you can do 5k in a day, do it! By mid-month, you’ll be glad you have ‘em.
  • 22. Twitter is your friend, even if it’s only for November. @frinightwrites holds Write Club every Friday AND a NaNo-Marathon for a full two days! There are also @nanopals, @nanosprints, @virtualwriters, @getwordies, and @thesprintshack. There are probably others, but I credit these folks for getting me through last NaNo, and through several wordy months this year.
  • 21. Rewards. Decide on four rewards you’ll give yourself if you make it through each week, PLUS a bigger, better, FABULOUS thing for earning that purple sticker on your NaNo profile. Hint: I get salted caramel ice cream each week, if I’m good. I’ll get to go out for dinner with my darlin’ girls on December 1st, if I finish!

Wow, that’s a lotta tips for one post, and I’m only half-way through! Want more? Click here – see ya over there. If it doesn’t work, just wait a wee bit, and it should. Sometimes they don’t actually post at the same time!

<|;^) JL

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