How I did it: I made the commitment to join NaNoWriMo earlier this year, and put it on my calendar for November 2009. Following the suggestions on the web site, I wrote for quantity and not quality. Made a daily word count goal and kept track of my progress at the end of the day. Although I had some personal challenges arise in my life, I had made a decision to finish NaNoWriMo no matter what was happening. I crash wrote in the last days of November, writing for hours on end until I reached my word count. Had to force myself not to edit or look up words along the way. Just continued to write, write, and write.

Lessons & tips: Write as if no one will ever read your novel but you. Trust your instincts to push through the story despite your doubts. Stay away from re-reading or editing, especially in the beginning, as it will take up too much of your writing time. Say no to procrastination excuses such as cleaning house, wasting time on the Internet, and social invitations you can avoid. Realize you can't "do and be it all" for the month of November...just write at every opportunity. If you get stuck, type in *** and other signs to fill in the blanks at a later time. It keeps the flow moving along. You will not get as much sleep for the month, but no one dies from lack of sleep. It will all be worth it when you are a Winner!

Resources: www.nanowrimo.org

Plenty of suggestions on the web site,  and online support through out the month of November. In Las Vegas, there were groups of people who would get together for "write-a-thons" and such. Sounded like fun although I did not participate myself.

There are books available to purchase about how to do NaNoWriMo if you want to get a head start with ideas early in the year.  You can find them on the web site, or google it.

Dec 06, 2009, 08:45PM PST | 0 comments | 4 cheers