National Novel Writing Month is a competition to write 50,000 words in one day.If you are under the age of 18, you can take part in the Young Writers Program and choose your own word goal, but if you're 13 or older, you have to do the adult program.It is a great way to write.There are many prizes for winning, such as free copies of the book written, guides on how to edit and self publish, software discounts, and much more.Chris Baty challenged his friends to write 50,000 words in one month in 1999 and that's when NaNo started.More than 15,000 participants finished in 2007, as it has grown to over 100,000.
Step 1: You can sign up for an account by visiting the website.
You can sign up at any time during the year.You can sign up for the Young Writer's Program if you are under 13During April and July, NaNoWriMo has a camp called "Camp NaNoWriMo".
Step 2: You can join the forums for help and support in your novel.
They help get you excited to write and are full of information to make your novel realistic, links to online thesauri and dictionaries, and even a forum for other writers in your region.You will be surrounded by people doing the same thing if yourk and post at the forum.
Step 3: Pick up some dares from the forum
Plot twists, characters, or objects that you try to work into your novel are called dares.A lot of writers work in as many dares as possible.The Traveling Shovel of Death is one of the most popular dares.Mr. Ian Woon, Norman Iwo, and so on are characters whose names are anagrams of "NaNoWriMo".
Step 4: Do you want to read "No Plot?
Chris Baty wrote "No Problem".The person started it all.The book is optional.While waiting for November, some brain cells are occupied in October.You will get a preview of what to expect during those four glorious, fantastic, fabulous, and tiring weeks with some great tips.Before November 1st, help you modify the supplies you put in.
Step 5: A plot can be created.
Drop by the adopt-a-plot thread in the forums, those are up for grabs.You don't need to make it detailed or follow it completely.The plan is only for if you go into a corner and can't continue.Don't be afraid to change the plan completely.A lot of writers title their novel before they even think of a plot.You can outline your plot before November 1.The work of fiction must be written in November if you want to bring in notes and documents.
Step 6: A writing spot is needed.
In order for your final submission to be valid, it must be in.txt format or an electronic document, but you can hand write or use a typewriter, and enter it into a computer after it is finished.You will be spending a lot of time there if you have a lamp and chair.
Step 7: The "NaNoWriMo Survival Kit" should be put together.
Writers stock up on energy drinks, soda, and one-handed snacks so they don't have to leave their writing spot while they are writing.A lot of people prepare "writing playlists" of CDs or mp3s to listen to.If you want to carry around inspiration, buy a supply of notebooks and pens.When November begins, start writing.The official start of the National Novel Writing Month is midnight on November 1st.Just start writing based on what you have plotted out, and have your notes handy.You have to think more when you refer to them because you may forget a key component later.You should keep a list of your characters.You may be surprised at how quickly you forget.You can keep them in order with a simple page or text document.You will be tempted to fiddle with your previous day's writing if you go back and read it again.Continue the story if you only need to read back to get your place.You can keep your place without reading a lot of notes.Don't remove words.Do not allow the backspace key to reduce your word count.You are not alone if your novel is junk.Someday you will look back at the Freudian slip and laugh.There is a thread in which to post amusing disasters.It should be done the first week.The goal is to get 20,000 words by the seventh day.Even if you don't make 20,000, you will be a good bit ahead in case you miss a day of writing.Try to hit 35,000 by next week, 45k the following week and 50k in the next few days.Do you want to see the pattern?Every week you have a smaller goal.You may get writer's block from time to time.Don't get so carried away that you experience burnout.It helps you stay positive and encourages you to keep going.Track your word count.You can change your word count through your profile.There is a graph of these updates on the website.Do it by reading How to Free Write.
Step 8: Tell your story.
You might have a vague idea of where you are going.That is fine.The goal is quantity, not quality.If it is interesting, your story will be easy to write.Don't be afraid to throw something.Bring in a new villain, have someone get pregnant, or kill a character.See how your characters respond.Even if the plot isn't where you wanted it to be, take it somewhere.The surprises can be fun.
Step 9: Make sure you count your words.
The night of November 30 hits at midnight, local time.You must turn in your word count even if you haven't hit 50,000.Your final NaNo word count is at the end of November, so if you think you have anything to spare, you can finish writing it.Even if you only hit 10 or 20k, that's more than most people ever write.You can verify your word count by uploading your entire manuscript to the website at the end of the month.If you are concerned about anyone reading your manuscript, there is a tool available that will make it unreadable without changing the word count.If you can, check your word count early.During the first and last days of November, the website gets a lot of traffic.On the 25th of the month, verification will be available.You will be able to collect your prizes in December if you reach the 50,000-word goal.
Step 10: You should plan when you will finish your novel.
If you didn't do any editing during November, your novel will need to be cleaned up to make it the best it can be.It will take a year or so of editing to get it ready for others to see.
Step 11: Should you share your finished novel or soon to be finished one?
Give copies to friends and family if it's true.Most manuscripts require extensive revision to achieve that quality, but a few NaNo authors do publish their books in print with book publishers.A manuscript can be published online.You should mark it with a free license of your choice.You can either self publish or go through a traditional publishing house.