NaNoWriMo 2019

50,000 words in ONE month for NaNoWriMo.

Whew, that’s a wipe the sweat from your brow kind of number. To most, I’d say, NaNoWriMo feels unachievable. Perhaps, you’re right. OR perhaps there’s more possibility in a month then you give yourself credit for? Let’s dive in using an analytical, slightly hopeful, point of view. Warning — I lean toward hopeful.
The month of November carries 30 days. If you were to write every day, that would equal out to 1,667 words per day. Now, most people, myself included, do not write every day. We need breaks. We need weekends. I’m not saying you don’t love to write but the human mind is just not capable of sustaining *good* creativity without said breaks. So let’s break (pardon my pun) it down by week.
Four weeks = 12,500 words per week. The great thing is you can break it up however it works best for you.
Personally, I break it up in 10s and 20s because my mind likes the chunk, not the details. I know that by November 8th, I should have at least 10,000 words or better yet, by November 15th, I should have 25,000 words. That’s what the mathematicians tell me is half of 50,000.
However you like it — detailed increments or large chunks — keep in mind it’s not always the numbers that gets you there. If you don’t actually carve out time, no matter how many pretty mathematical charts you create, you won’t make the cut. But if you dedicate 2, 3, 5 times a week to writing, you’d be surprised. Now I know what you’re thinking. If you read my author bio then you know I stay at home. I work early mornings and look after my three beautiful and very young children, so my day is structured slightly different than many of yours. I happen to use nap time as writing time. Not mine… theirs. (In case it wasn’t obvious, though I’ve been known to sneak in a nap or two on occasion)
After you’ve made a chart or thought of how you want to break the 50,000 words up into something that seems doable, the next step is to find time to DEDICATE yourself to writing. That can be an hour. It can be an entire day. The point is your dedicating the time to writing, not scrolling your twitter feed or checking email. We all know the black hole that is social media. Don’t fall for it. Be better. Rise above.
One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of writing, whether NaNoWriMo or not, is accountability. Proclaim your intentions. Even on social media though please, for the sake of all things holy, not on dedicated writing time. Find friends, fellow writers, who can encourage you whether they walk the journey of 50,000 words or not. Even telling a non-writer can give you surprising motivation. They don’t have to be authors or NaNoWriMo members to hold your feet to the fire. I mean think of all the times you’ve vowed to go to the gym. You tell people about your fitness journey who never once step foot in a gym with you. More than likely those people even eat cake while you’re munching on unsavory carrots. (too personal?) Anyways, the point is that you share because you’re excited and motivated and you want accountability. So shout it from the rooftops. Don’t be shy. We’re here to encourage you.
Lastly, choose a space where interruptions will be limited. I type on the couch. It’s likely not doctor-recommended, but I don’t have a desk and when I work, I work from the kitchen table. Writing there just doesn’t seem creative enough. Though, if I’m being honest, the couch isn’t much of an upgrade. However, it’s become a ritual and works for me. One day, I’ll have that desk overlooking a river and a large garden. To the side, there will be a pool and chickens clucking. I don’t know. Fantasies don’t often make sense. When I get said desk and said view, I’ll be sure to tweet that out to all my raving fans. Until then, I’ll be at my couch, during nap time, typing away. And in November, I’ll be hitting 50,000 words.
Will you?
Please feel free to post your proclamations below. If you have questions or need encouragement, that’s why I’m here. Let’s get writing.
For some extra input, visit Writers Digest — a literal goldmine of writer wealth. Of course, you already knew that. Follow this link to a great article on NaNoWriMo tips.