NaNoWriMo for beginners?

There is a HUGE support system at the NaNoWriMo site and even one here if you look for it. One of the biggest things I enjoy about NaNoWriMo is writing with other people trying the same crazy task. If you go into it thinking "This is my chance to write a novel and become successful" then you'll probably not stick with it. As Zero Angel said, you just have to write and write and write because it's fun for you.

I think there are basically several camps of NaNoers:

1. I''m going to write a novel this month because it's the only chance I'll get.

2. I'm going to do this for fun even though I write all the time. I don't expect much out of it though.

3. I'm going to take this a bit more seriously and perhaps I'll actually have something presentable when I'm finished.

I don't suggest the 3rd option for your first NaNo. Probably the 2nd one. Some people may ask "Well, why do it then, if I"m not going to try to get it published?" Well, why do anything? Do it because it's fun and you like writing. Think of it as training your writing muscle.

My number 1 suggestion (I've done the November version, the only one that counts in my opinion, successfully since 2008) is to outline. Making a solid outline before you start will save you tons of frustrating nights trying to hammer out something. Just outline beforehand and follow it and see where it takes you.

It really is fun, especially if you can find a group to compete with. I'm pretty competitive, so this kind of thing is right up my alley.

 

nano is a blast. I've done it, and Phil's bang on, it's about support. I'll post in the nano forum in a bit, with my username, nd I think every season we try to get a team of scribes all in one camp. So look us up if you want to join us. If you dont make your word count, who cares, you tried and will know what to do different next time!

 

Yeah, I think NaNo is good for all different levels of writers. But I think the OP was referring to people doing NaNo for the first time regardless of writing experience. The first time I did it, it was sort of on a whim. I was not working at the time and getting ready to leave my home country for the first time, so it helped me burn some time.

One other tip I'd give: set yourself goals. If you can hit 2,000-3,000 or more words a day for about a week and a half, you can pace yourself more in the middle of the month (around week 2 or 3) when things start to get slower.

 

That's the spirit! I'm anihow, BTW, so look me up and add me as a nano friend.

 

NaNo's kind of sneaked up on my this year. Normally I'm planning for it well in advance, but then normally I'm an ML and need to plan events, publicity, communication with participants and other MLs etc. This year I'm not an ML (unlike previous years, I now have a full time job. It's one thing MLing NaNo as a student when I have a flexible schedule, but a full time job is something else; trust me everyone, MLing is hard work). Plus last year I sort of caved half way through and didn't do much MLing after that. I blame the job centre for sapping my confidence and making me cry. In any case I've got two short stories to finish this month before I can start thinking of NaNo.

Best advice? Find a writing buddy. Someone writing something similar to you, who you expect will write at a similar pace to you. Have word wars with them over the internet (or in real life if they're in your region) and take time out to discuss your story and theirs at least twice during the month, perhaps when one of you feels a bit low or is behind. The support network NaNo encourages and provides is utterly brilliant, but there's nothing to stop you from taking it one step further and having one person you can call upon come what may.

Also, as far as the outlining advice goes, it is good advice, but if you're not naturally an outliner don't outline so much that all your passion for the project is used up in the outlining and by the time it comes to 1 November you're all worn out and want to write something else. So outline in just enough detail to retain your passion for the story.

 

Municipal Liaison. Regional co-ordinator who organises meetings, arranges stickeres and other rewards, tries to keep people motivated.