It’s coming. NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, kicks off November 1st. Are you prepared to get some writing done?
I debated the very same question. I ran a successful campaign last year when I tackled The Medusa Coin. It was a great experience and I learned quite a bit about my own writing process and the steps I personally need to take to complete a novel-sized project.
My original plan was to take it easy this fall, edit the final book (for now…) in the Greystone series. Work on the marketing side of things, get ready for a crazy editing project next year. Completely ignoring NaNoWriMo.
Then my brain screwed me over yet again.
So yeah, I’m in it again. I have a novel that’s been hiding out in the back of my noggin’ for a loooong time so it will be exciting to see if it comes to life the way I’ve always envisioned it.
NaNoWriMo Prep Time!
The Medusa Coin was a dream project for NaNoWriMo. I had the book in my head, each beat locked and loaded, ready for typing. This new book? No so much. So I’m prepping like a fiend.
For those on the same page, with their story in hand, 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? I’m learning these new characters as I go along. Are they sarcastic? Are they angry? Where do they come from? What baggage do they bring to the table? And what are their hopes to get out of this insane situation? I need to be able to answer these questions before drafting or the voice, the narration won’t ring true. 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 being 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!
