NaNoWriMo is just around the corner. Here are 5 things to help you get prepared.
1. Read the BIAW how-to. You have a whole month, some crazy people stuff a novel into a week. The same techniques work.
2. Get your tools in order. If you think you’re going to want to work in something like
Scrivener, don’t wait until Nov. 1 to install it. Get it downloaded and running now, and take time to work through the tutorial. Whatever program you’re writing in, make sure it’s up to date and working before the kick-off.
3. Have a backup plan. I recommend using
Dropbox if you don’t have anything else set up already. This will keep a copy of your ms. saved externally in case of fire, flood, cats on keyboard, etc. Dropbox is free, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t lose all your work halfway through the month is priceless.
4. Some people are outliners. Some people are story-boarders. Some people figure out the story as they write. Whatever your style is, embrace it and give yourself whatever you need to get ready to write.
5. Take 12 minutes to watch “Falafelosophy” and learn to listen to your own inner Neil Gaiman. Trust yourself. Trust your story.
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