How to Prepare for NaNoWriMo: Tips from a Fiction Author

November is just around the corner, and if you're a writer (or aspiring writer), that means NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is coming up fast. For many, it's the ultimate challenge: 30 days, 50,000 words, and a dream of completing a novel. But before you dive in headfirst, there’s some prep work that can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

As a fiction author I've learned that success doesn’t come from raw talent alone—it’s about setting yourself up for victory. Writing a book takes discipline and targets, something which NaNoWriMo helps establish.

In this blog post, I’ll share essential tips on how to prepare for NaNoWriMo, from organizing your writing environment to building a solid writing routine. Let’s dive in!

1. Set Realistic Goals

While 50,000 words is the goal, it’s important to define what success looks like for you. Maybe you’re aiming to finish the full 50K, or maybe you just want to get the ball rolling on your next great novel. Setting realistic, personalised goals helps you maintain focus and ensures that you’re motivated every day. Here are a few examples of goals you could set:

• Word Count Goals: Even if you aim for 50,000 words, break it down. Writing 1,667 words a day is manageable, but you might want to aim for extra on weekends to account for busy days.

• Time-Based Goals: If you struggle with daily word counts, set aside a fixed amount of time (e.g., 1 hour per day) and focus on writing for that period.

• Plotting/Planning Goals: Not everyone likes to outline, but having some idea of your story's direction can reduce overwhelm when you hit your writing stride.

Tip: Be kind to yourself if you don’t hit your daily goal. The point is progress, not perfection!

2. Pre-write Your Plot (But Don’t Overdo It!)

One of the biggest debates in the writing community is plotting versus pantsing—should you plan everything out, or should you dive in and see where the story goes? The answer is different for everyone. However, having some kind of framework can really help.

Here are a few methods to consider:

• The Three-Act Structure: Think of your story in three parts: beginning, middle, and end. Outline the key moments in each act to ensure you're not wandering aimlessly.

• Character Arcs: Create a basic outline of your protagonist’s journey. What do they want, and what are they willing to do to achieve it? How do they change by the end of the story?

• Scene Outlines: If you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants, try planning a few key scenes or moments that must happen. This way, you’ll have something to work towards if you get stuck.

Tip: Don’t feel like you have to have everything mapped out. NaNoWriMo is a time for experimentation, so leave some room for your story to unfold naturally.

3. Create a Writing Space You Love

You don’t need a fancy desk or the perfect chair, but having a dedicated writing space can help put you in the right mindset. Consider what makes you feel most productive:

• Noise: Do you prefer silence, or are you more productive with ambient sounds (coffee shops, nature, or white noise)?

• Comfort: Do you like to write in cosy spaces with blankets, or do you prefer sitting upright at a desk?

• Tech: Ensure that your writing tools (laptop, pen, paper) are in good working order. Organise your files and tools so you’re not fumbling around trying to get started.

Tip: If you tend to get distracted easily, try apps that will help you stay in the zone during your writing sessions.

4. Build a Writing Routine

Creating a writing routine is essential for keeping up with NaNoWriMo’s demanding pace. Try to write every day, even if it’s just for a short time. A few ways to get started:

• Morning Writing Sessions: If you’re a morning person, try writing first thing before the world has a chance to interrupt.

• Set Word Count Milestones: Try hitting 1,000 words in the morning and another 1,000 in the evening. You’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.

• Use a Timer: Set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes and write as much as you can during that block of time. You’d be amazed at how productive you can be in short bursts.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your writing schedule during the first few days. Find a rhythm that works for you.

5. Get Your Accountability Partner(s) in Place

One of the best ways to stay motivated throughout NaNoWriMo is having an accountability partner or a group of writing buddies. These are people you can check in with daily or weekly to keep you on track, encourage you during challenging times, and celebrate milestones with you.

How to find your writing buddies:

• Join a NaNoWriMo Region: Most NaNoWriMo communities have local or virtual writing groups you can join.

• Social Media: Find fellow writers on Twitter, Instagram, or in Facebook groups.

• Writing Forums: There are plenty of online forums dedicated to NaNoWriMo where you can connect with others.

Tip: Consider using apps like NaNoWriMo’s official website or WriteTrack to track your progress alongside other writers in real-time.

6. Stock Up on Supplies

Before NaNoWriMo kicks off, it’s a good idea to make sure you have everything you need for the month. This can include:

• Writing Tools: Whether you prefer a specific notebook, pen, or software like Scrivener, make sure everything is ready to go.

• Snacks and Drinks: Stock up on your favourite snacks and beverages to keep your energy up during long writing sessions. But be careful—don’t let too many snacks derail your writing productivity!

• Comfortable Clothing: NaNoWriMo requires long writing sessions, so ensure you have comfy clothes that allow you to focus without distractions.

Tip: Having everything in place beforehand will help you avoid procrastination on the first day of NaNoWriMo.

7. Embrace Imperfection

Finally, remember that NaNoWriMo is not about perfection. It’s about getting your ideas down on paper without worrying about whether they’re good or not. You’ll have plenty of time for editing later, but for now, focus on the story, not the perfect sentence.

Tip: If you’re stuck, just write something. Even a scene that doesn’t quite fit or is completely off-track will move you forward.

Conclusion

NaNoWriMo can be a transformative experience for writers, but preparation is key. By setting realistic goals, creating a writing routine, and building a solid support system, you’ll increase your chances of success—and maybe even surprise yourself with the incredible progress you make. Good luck, and may the words flow freely this November!

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Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? What’s your number one tip for tackling the challenge? Feel free to share in the comments below!