Nanowrimo Newbie

Hello, nice to meet you! I'm new to Nanowrimo. Nanowrimo is something I've been hearing about from so many other bloggers and readers. Although I'm not an aspiring author, I do find this as a good opportunity for me to fix my commitment issue and stay focused. Nanowrimo readers of all ages and sizes, come sit around the campfire and read this post.

First...
Who wants to be my writing buddies?

My name is marine5aang. 

What is Nanowrimo?

For those are you who aren't familiar with Nanowrimo, I'd be happy to explain what I know (which isn't a lot). Nanowrimo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It's a month (Nov1 1st-Nov 31st) that is dedicated to writers, readers, and basically anyone that wants to write a novel. I know, you might be thinking why can't people just write novels on their own without this event? Well, it's not that easy. You see, without the incentive to do so, people feel discouraged and give up easily. Nano is a great way to collaborate and work with writing buddies on Skype, Twitter, and Facebook. It also allows you to share your ideas, help others write your story, and get some feedback for your story. There is a set goal word count of 50,000 words, which means you have to write 1,667 words every single day in that month. Nano is an entire month dedicated to the people that want to finally finish a novel but lack the commitment or ideas. 

What I expect to get out of Nanowrimo 2015?

  • Indulging in the experience of writing a book. I want to experience how an author feels when they're writing. I admit, it's kind of terrifying because I have no idea how to start, but I've realized it really doesn't matter. Writing comes and goes at your own time and style. Everyone does something different when they write, and we all have different ways of staying focused. 
  • Commitment issues. I feel like the word count is a great way for me to stay committed. If I want to win, I need to keep up with the word count every single day. This challenge will definitely improve how well I can commit, and I'm definitely in need of a good project. 
  • Finally finishing writing a book. I'm not a writer. I don't like writing as much as writing, but there are times when I just want to write. It's always been a dream of mine to completely finish writing a book. I never imagine getting published but I want to feel the satisfactory feeling of completely a book. 
  • Making friends. I always want to meet new people in whatever I embark on so this one isn't such a big surprise. You can meet so many other writers on the forums and even on Twitter.

Some Personal Tips 

  • Say no to Facebook and other distracting internet servers. If you're using Skype or Twitter to talk to your writing buddy, that's fine. I'm talking about those that get caught up on Youtube, Netflix, or Facebook talking to their friends. Just turn off chat or send a blast to everyone that informs them about how you'll be unavailable for the time being. 
  • Do not read anything you've written. If you go back and read, you're going to edit. That's exactly what you're not supposed to do! Nanowrimo wasn't created so that you'd have a polished, ready-to-be-published book by the end. It was created so that those who don't write a book on their free time, finally have an event where they are encouraged to sit down and write and actually FINISH their books! Don't think that you need perfect grammar or spelling, or even the most sophisticated use of words. Just finish the damn thing and then you can go back and edit! Escape your inner editor. 
  • Write every single day. If you forget to write on one day, you can make up the word count the next day. But let's just say you don't write for two days. The work will pile up faster than you know it and soon, you won't be able to catch up. It's harder to catch up than to write every single day.
  • Think about the prize on the other side. If you get discouraged throughout the process (because it does get tiring and hard to manage), think about what you will gain when you're done. 1) Winning and getting the prizes :D 2) Finishing a book or writing 50,000 words of it 3) Making new friends and having a winner badge on your profile 
  • Have fun! If you're not having fun while writing, then you really shouldn't continue because that will be reflected in your work. 
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8 comments

  1. Great tips, Alex! I really wish I could participate this year, but college apps come first. I'll definitely keep this in consideration for next time Nano comes around. I've started dappling with the idea of writing a book, and I finally have an idea. These tips can apply in general to writing so thanks <3

    Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books

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    1. Ohh the best of luck with college apps! I'm not there but I will be soon! Oh wow Nanowrimo is a beast and it's literally eating away at my soul. Thanks Rachel <3

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  2. I love your tips. I have tried a few years and I'm really hoping this year I will finish! :)

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    1. I definitely don't think I'm going to be finishing this year but it's always good to hope.

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  3. This is my first time attempting NaNo so I need all the tips I can get ahah. It's been fun so far and the community is so encouraging that I really want to hit the word count each day (though I know in the end it might not be possible to win this time around). Good luck!!

    Enchanted by YA: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/ya-shot-wrap-up-haul.html

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    1. It's just me counting here. Like every time I"m counting the words, it's just making me more stressful. I wish you the best of luck in your writing though :D

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  4. I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to hear about your progress. Good luck finishing this up :)

    Emily @ Follow the Yellow Book Road

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    1. I'm totally ashamed by this comment because I think I totally let go of my goal. Oh god, Emily thanks so much for the vote of confidence but I think being a full time student and having a job keeps me from doing a lot of things D:

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