Preptober - 8 Steps to Get Ready for NaNoWriMo!

That's right, I've decided to participate in Nanowrimo again this year, probably because I'm a sucker for punishment and also because I love having a reason to push myself with regards to my writing. So, challenge accepted. For those of you who don't know, Nanowrimo is short for National Novel Writing Month and is an annual Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November where participants attempt to write a 50,000-word manuscript between November 1 and November 30. 'Winning' Nanowrimo means that you completed at least 50,000 words of your manuscript, and that will be my goal. That along with connecting with more writers who are attempting to do the same as we cheer each other on through what I know will not be an easy process.

Last year, I learned about Nanowrimo I believe just as November started and had to basically figure out what I was going to write about as I began writing. In short, I didn't give myself any time to plan my manuscript, which although it didn't hurt me (because my natural writing style leans towards pantser with minimal planning anyway)- it didn't exactly help me either. So this year, I wanted to get in on this Preptober phenomenon that's popping up everywhere I look as all my writer people begin to prep for November. It's a no brainer- Preptober is using the month of October to prep for Nanowrimo so that come November, you're ready to immediately start writing. Winning Nanowrimo has a lot (almost everything) to do with momentum, so I cannot stress just how important prepping to allow yourself to start with your best foot forward is. So, in this post, I thought I'd share what I'll be doing to prep for the upcoming Nanowrimo in this month of October.

1. Choose a Project

This may seem like it's not a real problem, but you only have to talk to any author (or watch any of their Preptober videos) to know just how real it is. I would say that on average an author has at least ten underdeveloped ideas that they thought 'oooh that would make a for a great book' about at some point. Choosing a project means pulling all these ideas out, dusting them off and eyeing them to see which one you think would really make for a great story. Because you're going to be writing that story come November. The issue comes when you have more than one that you're drawn to, because ultimately you're going to have to reject some great ideas with great potential- but it must be done. Create a process of elimination, maybe you want to rework a previous project-that makes it easy. Or maybe you want to challenge yourself by writing in a completely new genre that you've never written in before; or you want to finally write a sequel to a book you wrote years ago. At the end of the day, you're the only one who can shrink your list down to one and I wish you luck with that. If all else fails, close you eyes and point. My advice: pick the project that makes you the most excited. You're going to need every bit of juice to carry you through. Whatever project you end up choosing, Nano is the time to dive in- use the momentum to propel you forward.

2. Create a Story Outline

One you know what project you'll be working on, you can get started on the exciting business of creating a story outline to fully solidify your choice. Interestingly enough, this process may just highlight for you that this isn't the book to focus on after all. You may start to outline and discover that you're just not that interested in or excited by what happens next. This is a great thing to learn now, because you still have time to pull out your crumpled list of ideas and choose one that works better. Now do the work: create your outline; make a character list as well as character sketches; choose your setting; your POV. Map out where your story will start as well as all the major plot points from start to finish. If you need help plotting your book, I created a Free Workbook to help you do just that. Personally, this is as much planning as I like to do because it perfectly sets me up for success while still leaving the story open enough for me to wonder what happens next-which is vital for me as it keeps me excited and engaged as I write. It leaves room for the magic of the unexpected to happen, which I think only happens in real time. However, every writer is different, I know authors who like to plot out every scene before they start writing. You know your process best, do what's best for you.

4. Have a Nanowrimo Talk with the People in Your Life

You are a different person during Nanowrimo. Now that you've been warned, you need to do the right thing and warn everyone who's likely to encounter you during that time. 'I'm sorry in advance for being an asshole for a whole month' is not a bad place to start. Seriously though, having this talk is about explaining to your people that this is very important to you and the best way they can support you is by respecting the time that you've allocated to writing every single day. Figure out your exact writing block, communicate it and plan every activity around this. Preemptively, I'm thinking 8pm -10pm. This means everything has to be done before then, all work, chores and hanging out. If my lovely husband wants to take me out on a date, it better be at 6pm latest so I can be at my desk, writing at 8pm. Luckily for me, this doesn't affect my life too much- I suggest you choose a block that doesn't affect your life too much or you'll be fighting against the inertia of sudden lifestyle change on top of the already challenging task of writing 1,677 words per day. Not fun. If you live alone, maybe task a few close friends with checking up on you periodically just to make sure you're still sane.

5. Set up a Twitter Account or Join a Nanowrimo Forum

Completely optional of course, but I think support is vital. Attempting to write 50,000 words in a month is one hell of task and having a place to go where you can commiserate, get support, tips and hacks, and inspiration from others attempting to do the same thing is worth its weight in gold. I'm sure your spouse/ flatmate/ cat is very supportive- but at some point along the journey you're going to just want to join a group of people who really get it. We have been blessed and cursed with the internet, use it. There's no need to suffer alone and, for whatever reason, writers seem to have chosen twitter as their platform of choice. If you want community, go where the community is. Not to mention, this is a great way to make friends that share the same interests, friends that will last long past Nanowrimo.

6. Set Up your Writing Space

A practical point. You need a place to sit and write. Doing it in the same place (and at possibly the same time) everyday is a great way to train your mind to get into a rhythm and form a habit around your goal. Create a space that is comfortable (but not so comfortable it lulls you to sleep), make a list of the supplies you need and get them (notebooks, stickers, special pens, etc.). Set up your music if you like to work with it in background, clear your desk and clean the entire space. Have it so that all you need to do to start writing come November is sit down.

7. Set Up a Rewards System

You're going to need it. A rewards system is all about keeping yourself motivated. Nano is month long pursuit, so momentum is key. We're all going to be super amped to start and the first week is likely to fly past with stellar productivity. By mid-month things usually start to crumble and this is when you'll need everything you can possibly draw strength from. A good rewards system can be your saving grace. I'm choosing an episode of anime for every daily goal completed- I'm still shopping around for exactly which anime but more on that later. Choose whatever feels like a reward for you; maybe it's an episode of a new show, maybe it's giving yourself a gold sticker in your Nano notebook, perhaps it's a glass of wine or just going to bed. Your Nano, your rules.

8. Put Together your Nanowrimo 'Survival Kit'

This one is all about comfort. What will make your sitting down to write for a few hours a day more comfortable? Some suggestions: A scented candle or a diffuser along with your favorite essential oils; your favorite special candies or gum or whatever snacks you like really; tea- lot's of tea; a 'do not disturb' sign; a cozy writer's outfit because who has time for thinking about clothes anymore- historically mine has been pajamas but I would also highly recommend a onesie. I think I may get a onesie.

Well, this is what I'll be doing in the month of October. If you're prepping for Nanowrimo like I am, I hope this helps you to get ready. I'll see you on the other side.

Sending you my best,

Noni