Calliope Writing

NaNoWriMo: Scarier than Halloween and Just as Much Fun

Look what day it is…

It is officially National Novel Writing Month, a.k.a. NaNoWriMo.

Not sure what I’m talking about? As I explain in Palmetto Publishing Group’s blog post:

NaNoWriMo begins November 1 and runs until 11:59 p.m. on November 30. The goal? To write a 50,000-word novel in this span of time.

If you plan on participating (as I do), following are some tools and resources to help you along the way.

Join Me on This Magical and Chaotic Journey

I committed to participating in NaNoWriMo 2016 in August, so even if I wanted to bow out, it’s a little too late for that now. For that and many other reasons, I want as many of you as possible writing alongside me – and I hope to provide you all with some support, encouragement, and laughter along the way.

First, join my virtual Facebook event, which can be found here. But if you want to stay away from Facebook (or if you don’t have an account), that’s okay! There are several other ways you can connect with me:

• Buddy up with me on the official NaNoWriMo site! My profile can be found here.

• Follow me on Instagram and/or Google+, where I’ll occasionally post about my NaNoWriMo progress.

• Follow me on Twitter, where I’ll be regularly tweeting my frustrations for the world to snicker at.

• Check out my “NaNoWriMo Resources” Pinterest board (shown below). I pin a variety of articles and images, ranging from motivational quotes to shut up your inner critic, to questionnaires and checklists so your characters will be as complex and realistic as possible, to useful facts such as how a person’s body will react when hit or punched in a specific spot.

For the Writer Who Gets Distracted Easily

I fit this category to a T. I’m a master of procrastination and distraction…and I was stoked to discover Cold Turkey’s tool for writers, which “runs fullscreen and basically turns your computer into a typewriter until you reach your specified goal.” That goal can be time- or word count-based.

Even better news? It’s free! But if you want a little something extra, for a one-time payment of ten bucks, you get bonuses like soundtracks and themes.

*Please note that I am an affiliate with Cold Turkey, and if you choose to purchase, I will receive a kickback (which I’ll use for books…obviously).

For When the Dreaded Writer’s Block Invades

Offical (and Super Helpful) NaNoWriMo Resources

Word Sprints. Word sprints are timed bouts of writing that can be amazing for getting your muse ready to rumble. NaNaWriMo offers personal and group sprints. I plan on scheduling a couple of group sprints – I’ll be sure to let everyone know the details well ahead of time so you can join in!

Pep Talks. This collection of pep talks is no joke. If you become frustrated or overwhelmed during this process, visit the pep talk page and get amped up to write again.

Forums. There is always tons of action on the NaNoWriMo forums – take advantage of it!

Enough Procrastinating. Let’s Write.

I leave you with a passage from one of Daniel José Older’s pep talks. It resonated deeply with me – maybe it will strike a chord with you, too.

Writing begins with forgiveness. Let go of the shame about how long it’s been since you last wrote, the clenching fear that you’re not a good enough writer, the doubts over whether or not you can get it done. Sure, the nagging demons will come creeping back, but set them aside anyway, and then set them aside again when they do. Concoct a hot beverage, play a beautiful song, look inward, and then begin.

Are you ready to get started? Set aside some time later today – at 4:00 p.m. EST, specifically – to participate in a virtual NaNoWriMo write-in here. If you can’t make it today, comment below with how you plan on becoming a NaNoWriMo 2016 winner!

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