We are at the halfway point in NaNoWriMo, and I’m still wondering how the last two weeks went by so quickly. I’m not halfway through the challenge, but now that I’m back from my trip to LA I’m developing a writing routine that will hopefully help me win the challenge by November 30th. I made another vlog post to talk more about my progress and my plan. I think it looks a little more natural and less rehearsed … although there are some really embarrassing moments. Like when I say that I’m on TV. Mortifying. Anyways, here it is!
If you are a writer or doing NaNoWriMo what’s your opinion on writing routines? I’d love any tips you have.
Alison Doherty 
I do NaNoWriMo every year–the last two years I have finished ahead of schedule, but I don’t think that will happen this year. I can’t seem to connect with this year’s story. But my big tips for getting through NaNoWrimo without going crazy are:
1. Write an outline or synopsis of your story. If you know the big picture, it keeps you on course.
2. Interview your characters so you know them inside out.
3. Make an inspiration board on Pinterest so you have someting to think about when you are describing setting and character.
4. Do not beat yourself up if you fall behind. Try to write more the next day and catch up at the weekend. Or get up an hour earlier and write when everyone else in the house is still sleeping.
5. Celebrate your milestones. Treat yourself to something nice when you hit 5K, 10K, etc. It’ll make you feel good. 🙂
Those are such excellent suggestions many that I never would have thought of!
It took many years of screwing up while doing Nanowrimo to figure out what would actually work for me. 🙂 Hope they help! 😀
Kim these are such great suggestions. Thank you so much! I’m so glad to have some one experienced that I can glean wisdom from. I am definitely loving the idea of interviewing your characters and making inspiration boards for them on Pinterest!
I think you’re doing brilliantly! It’s understandable you want to reach the 50K, but NaNoWriMo’s real goal is to help people sit down and write every day, consistently, to help them get in the habit of writing.
Finding a routine that works for you, and helps you be as productive as you can, to the degree you wish to be, is what it’s all about.
My harp teacher friend recommends students keep their harps in their bathrooms. She says if you only play it every time you go in, you’ll be amazed at the amount of practice you get in.
Writing is a lot like that. Small efforts consistently make for big gains. I think breaking your sessions into a couple shorter times a day is probably helpful.
My best advice is remember to take a break every hour and relax your eyes by staring at something in the distance, at least a mile away. Also, take a 10 minute walk (even if that’s just to do laundry) every 2 hours. It’s amazing how a short break can reinvigorate you and your writing!
Thanks for the encouragement and the advice Indra. It is amazing how small bits of time practicing or writing do add up to big things. I think I will definitely try to take breaks from looking at the screen. I do worry about too much screen time and headaches etc.