Hello world of the internet!

Some of you may be aware (and some of you may not) but November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short), where authors buckle down and attempt to write 50,000 of a new novel. 50,000 is the bare minimum for a completed novel (everything below that number is novella, or a short story, etc).

Last year, I participated and wrote 50,000. I enjoyed the environment, support, and company of fellow writers as I went on a journey for writing and fantasy.

This year, however, I vowed to not only participate in NaNoWriMo again, but double my results and up the ante. I would write 100,000 words, by golly, and nothing would stop me.

And while I could wrote a small novel about the problems that jumped into my path (holiday season, family tragedy, poor sleeping schedule, sickness, etc) what I wanted to share were the tips and tricks that helped me focus. So, without further ado, here are what helped!

1. Locking myself from the internet.

2. Not thinking about word-count, but thinking about individual chapters. (I’ll write one more chapter today, instead of “I have to get 500 words done or I’ll fall behind!)

3. Not talking to anyone about my goal. (Having people ask “how’s it going?” can sometimes add undue stress – you don’t need that – share your results once it’s over)

4. Make writing part of the routine.

5. Have rewards for certain midway points. (At 30k go out to see a movie, at 50k have a night of Netflix, at 70k get yourself a present, etc)

6. Don’t question yourself about the content – that’s what the editing phase is for.

7. Stay optimistic. (If ever you think “what’s the point?” remember that you’re the point – it’s all for you)

I hope all my fellow authors got to 50k (if they participated in NaNoWriMo) and I hope these “tricks” will help in the future, should any of you try again next year.

Here’s my results:

Have fun!