5 Ways to Celebrate National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is in November! Launched in 1999, this online-based project challenges participants to write a full novel during the month of November!

Whether you’ve spent your life writing a novel, or are just interested in getting started, here are some ways that you can celebrate National Novel Writing month.

1. Brainstorm ideas!

Before settling down to write, it’s a good idea to brainstorm ideas for your November novel. What genre would you like it to be? Is this novel going to be nonfiction or fantasy? Is there a specific message you’d like to get to your audience?

These are great questions to get your mind moving in the direction of your novel. Write down your ideas. Try to imagine a way in which you can weave them together to create one cohesive work, or plan to begin multiple different novels.

2. Start a first draft.

Every great piece of literature starts somewhere. The best way to begin your novel is to just, well, begin. Start by writing freely.

Don’t spend time worrying about the quality of the piece. That’s what a first draft is for! It’s the place for you to work out the kinks, and to gain a clearer idea of the story you’d like to tell. If you’d like a second opinion, hand it off to a trusted friend to gain insight on your work.

3. Make time to write.

The hardest part about writing a novel is finding time to dedicate to writing. However, it can become easier if you try to incorporate it into your daily schedule.

Make a consistent block of time every day when you can sit down, empty your mind, and write. If possible, it may be best to do this step in a tech-free environment. This will give you less of a chance to become distracted.

4. Find ways to stay motivated.

One great way to stay engaged in the challenge is by asking your friends to check in with your work periodically. This can help you to stay on-target for the amount of novel you wish to complete.

If you don’t want to involve your peers, you can also set daily goals for yourself. Consider writing a chapter a day or five chapters a week. Anticipate your own procrastination by exploring ways to motivate yourself on the laziest of days.

5. Do it for YOU.

If you’re going to participate, remember who you’re writing this book for: you. At the end of the day, it’s important that you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself to craft the next great American novel.

Even if you don’t love the book you’ve created, you can still be proud that you’ve written a whole book by yourself! Plus, every time you write, you get a little bit better. 

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No matter how you chose to celebrate National Novel Writing Month, it can be a great opportunity for you to explore your writing capabilities. Challenge yourself to explore your creative potential and you won’t be disappointed in the skills you discover!