So here we are. First day of Nanowrimo. Week one. You started your story. You got the first bricks down, and you’re excited to keep building. Stretch your fingers a moment, kick back, sigh with satisfaction. Feels good doesn’t it?
So. Now what?
Here’s a few quick do’s and don’ts for week one:
Do establish a routine.
The first week is fun and exciting, and it’s also a good time to figure out what works best for you. Learn which time of day you write best. Early dawn? Before the kids get home from school? The late twilight hours? I know some Wrimos who write twice a day, before work and after work, to try and squeeze in enough time. Whatever you writing schedule is, establish it now. You don’t want to have to worry about it later ion.
Do prepare for Week Two.
Experienced Wrimos say that it’s a good idea to bulk up your wordcount in week one. Try to write double a few days. That way, if you miss a day during the infamous week two, you won’t get behind. Just because week one is easy doesn’t mean you should take it easy. On the contrary. Use this time to kick yourself in high gear while you’re still fresh.
Don’t over-compensate.
If you try too hard to make up for future mistakes, it can sap your drive and leave you discouraged. Don’t figure out how many words you’ll need by the end of each week. Watching the total add up can be a shocking reality-check for some people. I know it was for me!
Also, when it comes to good days, always stop before you completely loose stamina. If you burnout, there isn’t the time to recuperate. Pace yourself.
Don’t re-read what you’ve written.
This is a habit of many writers, self included. Some do it to get in gear, some do it for continuity, some like to edit a little before moving on. Don’t. Just don’t. It can only hurt the free-flowing process that is the heart of Nanowrimo. At best, it will waste away your writing time, and at worst, it can make you doubt your story.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, everyone. I hope the tips help. Get writing, and good luck!
- Creative A
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5 comments:
Great tips! I definitely need to writewritewrite this week because I remember the mid-November slump from last year all too well.
Thanks for the tips. I've never done NaNoWriMo before so this should be helpful.
Glad you liked 'um. I'm sort of preaching to myself, here...last time I Nanoed, it lasted a grand total of 4 days. I was really mad at myself. This year I'm hoping that the tips will help me stay on track!
-CA
Great ideas! I especially like the idea of front-loading the writing. Of course, liking the idea and actually implementing it are two different things. But I'll try...really I will. ~Karen (Lavinia from AW)
Good luck really trying, Lavina :)
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