It’s coming. NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, kicks off November 1st. Are you prepared to get some writing done?
This year I’ve set a steep goal. I’ve been working like a maniac to prep the final three books in the DSA’s opening season. The scripts are done. The stories are locked in my brain.
Now is the time to put together some drafts.
NaNoWriMo Prep Time!
Here are some areas I’m focused on this month to get ready for the type-fest that will be November:
Plot Breakdown –
From major turning points to intimate character moments, I like to go into the drafting stage with these pretty much set from page one. Even if it is just a sentence – Man walks down the street and is mugged. – You have the start of some connective tissue for your novel. I had one that said “Characters learn about the outpost.” No idea what that could mean but as I looked at the pieces surrounding it I was able to pull on them for more information, more substance to strengthen the need for this chapter. Can’t find that need? Ditch the moment and see what happens.
Character Arcs –
With The Medusa Coin, I knew Loren and Soriya. Ruiz and Pratchett. All the players involved. With that background knowledge it was easier to fill in the gaps and see their progression. This time? The DSA has its own challenges with structure. Each book requires a smaller arc while also feeding into the larger story as a whole. Each piece of the puzzle has to be laid out, not only for my two main leads but for the entire cast as well. Everyone plays a part and they have to click on multiple levels at all time.
Will it be 100% locked and loaded by November 1st? No way. But having as much noted and planned ahead of time saves on the editing frustrations to come.
World Building Details –
More questions. Expanding on character arcs, now look at the world of your novel-to-be. If it’s Earth, good on you. You have a basis to jump from. Thinking about sci-fi, galaxy hopping craziness? Know your world. What are the rules? What are the sides? Who is friendly, who is not? Why? What history is there? What type of currency is used? Understand as much as you can about the world your characters find themselves in and it will make your draft pop better right from the start.
No idea where to start for your NaNoWriMo Prep?
Still want to take part but haven’t even thought of what type of story to tell? No problem.
Check out these amazing writing prompt resources:
- Creative Writing Prompts by Writers Digest
- 365 Creative Writing Prompts by thinkwritten
- Writing Prompt Exercises by Poets & Writers
And be sure to check out NaNoWriMo.org for amazing tips and resources as well.
Hope to see you there!
