NaNoWriMo Survival
Here it comes! 3 days away from NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)!
This is my 4th year of trying to write 50,000 words in one month. I have never done it before, but I'm feelin' lucky this year. Or at least determined.
2013 was the year that I finally made it all the way through Lent with my discipline of blogging a prayer from Writing to God by Rachel Hackenberg every day. Who knew 13 would be lucky this time 'round?
Now, it's going to be the year that I finally win NaNoWriMo and get my very own printed copy of my novel at the end. Maybe I'll even buy myself the winner T-shirt if I make it, who knows?!
I've been working through the book Ready, Set, Novel! by one of the creators of NaNoWriMo, Chris Baty, in hopes of being prepared for November. I've made pretty good progress and I have a few days to cram the last bits in.
But let's get to the real reason for this post. I've been seeing a lot of "NaNo Survival Kits" on the internet. I like pieces from each of them, but none of them are comprehensive enough to cover everything that I usually have around to get me through.
Here's my list. I'm sure it'll change before the end of the month, but this is a start at least.
1. Some good pens and sharp pencils. To jot down notes, thoughts, and findings.
2. One or two Composition notebooks. Preferably from Roaring Spring Paper Products, but that's just my bias from growing up there.
3. White board and dry-erase markers. For a story board and ideas. I also sometimes have index cards or sticky notes to put on the white board so I can move them around if need be.
4. Candles. Not too strong, and sometimes even scentless. There's just something about the glow that is inspirational and cozy for me.
5. Coffee. In large quantities. At home or out at a coffee shop. Once in a while, I'll mix it up and have some tea, but the coffee is a must. The tea is a plus.
6. Water bottle. To stay hydrated between all the coffee I'll be drinking.
7. Music. I prefer to use a service like Spotify or Pandora that will just keep playing and playing. I also like to have instrumental music. Some soundtrack and kind of epic stuff, as well as some classical songs.
8. Earbuds. For the music, of course, so I don't drive anyone else crazy while out and about or the coffee shop doesn't drive me crazy with their songs with words, lol.
9. Procrastination break tools. Because everyone needs to get up and do something once in a while when they get stuck. Baking supplies. Hilarious phone "photo booth" apps (i.e. The Walking Dead and Duck Dynasty). Also, limited Pinterest activity, but this can get dangerous. I do use Pinterest as a place for some of my story inspiration, though, so I do need to get on it once in a while.
10. A bad title. To have fun with, not take myself too seriously at the get go, to grow into, and to go beyond. (This year I'm starting out with Robot Starts with an ARR!)
11. Inspiration. I already mentioned that I sometimes use Pinterest for inspiration. I also follow @NaNoWriMo and @NaNoWordSprints on Twitter for support and ideas throughout the month. I just downloaded an app as well that I'm excited to use called Writing Challenge.
I'd be happy to keep adding to this list and get suggestions (serious or funny ones) from anyone else out there participating in NaNo this year. Find me on the site if you want to be "writing buddies!"
Peace and Words,
Rach
This is my 4th year of trying to write 50,000 words in one month. I have never done it before, but I'm feelin' lucky this year. Or at least determined.
2013 was the year that I finally made it all the way through Lent with my discipline of blogging a prayer from Writing to God by Rachel Hackenberg every day. Who knew 13 would be lucky this time 'round?
Now, it's going to be the year that I finally win NaNoWriMo and get my very own printed copy of my novel at the end. Maybe I'll even buy myself the winner T-shirt if I make it, who knows?!
I've been working through the book Ready, Set, Novel! by one of the creators of NaNoWriMo, Chris Baty, in hopes of being prepared for November. I've made pretty good progress and I have a few days to cram the last bits in.But let's get to the real reason for this post. I've been seeing a lot of "NaNo Survival Kits" on the internet. I like pieces from each of them, but none of them are comprehensive enough to cover everything that I usually have around to get me through.
Here's my list. I'm sure it'll change before the end of the month, but this is a start at least.
1. Some good pens and sharp pencils. To jot down notes, thoughts, and findings.
2. One or two Composition notebooks. Preferably from Roaring Spring Paper Products, but that's just my bias from growing up there.
3. White board and dry-erase markers. For a story board and ideas. I also sometimes have index cards or sticky notes to put on the white board so I can move them around if need be.
4. Candles. Not too strong, and sometimes even scentless. There's just something about the glow that is inspirational and cozy for me.
5. Coffee. In large quantities. At home or out at a coffee shop. Once in a while, I'll mix it up and have some tea, but the coffee is a must. The tea is a plus.
6. Water bottle. To stay hydrated between all the coffee I'll be drinking.
7. Music. I prefer to use a service like Spotify or Pandora that will just keep playing and playing. I also like to have instrumental music. Some soundtrack and kind of epic stuff, as well as some classical songs.
8. Earbuds. For the music, of course, so I don't drive anyone else crazy while out and about or the coffee shop doesn't drive me crazy with their songs with words, lol.
9. Procrastination break tools. Because everyone needs to get up and do something once in a while when they get stuck. Baking supplies. Hilarious phone "photo booth" apps (i.e. The Walking Dead and Duck Dynasty). Also, limited Pinterest activity, but this can get dangerous. I do use Pinterest as a place for some of my story inspiration, though, so I do need to get on it once in a while.
10. A bad title. To have fun with, not take myself too seriously at the get go, to grow into, and to go beyond. (This year I'm starting out with Robot Starts with an ARR!)
11. Inspiration. I already mentioned that I sometimes use Pinterest for inspiration. I also follow @NaNoWriMo and @NaNoWordSprints on Twitter for support and ideas throughout the month. I just downloaded an app as well that I'm excited to use called Writing Challenge.
I'd be happy to keep adding to this list and get suggestions (serious or funny ones) from anyone else out there participating in NaNo this year. Find me on the site if you want to be "writing buddies!"
Peace and Words,
Rach
I love your article.You can visit my website: liked songs apple music
ReplyDelete