We're nearly one month away from National Novel Writing Month and I'm still debating on whether or not I'm participating in NaNoWriMo. I've only done it once before, a few years ago, and maybe wrote 10,000 words. So I failed reaching the 50,000 word count, but just writing as many words as I did is an accomplishment to me. I'm a blogger, poet, sometimes short story writer, so long fiction is a challenge. I know I need the practice so I'm seriously contemplating digging in and getting something, anything written this November.
Are you making the commitment to write a novel in 30 days? If so, I've put together a few ways you can start prepping for the big day. Let's get into the writing zone and do this!
Are you making the commitment to write a novel in 30 days? If so, I've put together a few ways you can start prepping for the big day. Let's get into the writing zone and do this!
Create a writing altar for daily inspiration. I like to place candles, crystals, beautiful fabric, and photos of my muses in my altar. Going to that sacred space infused with things that inspire me fuels my creativity and helps me get my pen flowing. An altar is a personal thing, so what you place there is entirely up to you, but some ideas: feathers, photos, figurines, poetry, tarot/oracle cards, candles. Use your altar to make notes about your story and characters.
Plan a retreat. You can create an amazing writing retreat within your own walls. Set aside a weekend or full week of structured days and stick to the routine, just like you would at a retreat. Go to the same inspirational space each day, whether it's your home office, rented office, or favorite coffee shop. And most importantly, carve out time, preferably 2-3 hours, of focused novel planning and practice writing time. The other hours can be used to fill the inspiration well, meditate, take a rose-water bath - whatever helps you de-stress and boost your creativity.
Photo by: Mandy Leigh
Read your favorite book. There's nothing like breaking out my favorite books for a little writing inspiration. Spend a Sunday morning lounging in bed and reading your favorite work of fiction. Read for pleasure, but also for research. Notice how the author uses her words, how the dialogue is written, how the plot unfolds. Take notes.
Take a class. See if your local university offers writing classes to the public or choose a class from one of the many offered across the web. Women on Writing has loads to choose from.
Go for a walk. Did you know Charles Dickens was known for going on lengthy walks during dinner parties? He would invite his guests to take a long walk before sitting down for dinner. The walks left Dickens invigorated and filled with creative ideas. His guests on the other hand...not so much. The fact is, daily walking can boost your creative muscles, especially if you walk to no particular place with no particular thing in mind. Meditative walking.
Books and links to help you prep:
The NaNoWriMo blog and prep page
No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty
Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
The 90-Day Novel: Unlock the Story Within by Alan Watt (more than 30 days, but great outlining and novel-building advice)
So, how about it? Want to make the commitment?
I hereby commit to writing a novel this November during @NaNoWriMo. #NaNoPrep (click to tweet)
Books and links to help you prep:
The NaNoWriMo blog and prep page
No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty
Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
The 90-Day Novel: Unlock the Story Within by Alan Watt (more than 30 days, but great outlining and novel-building advice)
So, how about it? Want to make the commitment?
I hereby commit to writing a novel this November during @NaNoWriMo. #NaNoPrep (click to tweet)
