Dear Reader,
There is still time.
As I write this, it’s Halloween in Australia, which also means it’s the eve of National Novel Writing Month. This will be my fourth year participating, and for the first time I won’t be starting at my small desk which occupies one corner of our bedroom. It’s almost become a tradition to stay up till midnight, then retreat to my makeshift office to hunch gargoyle-like over my laptop for half an hour or so. A head start, yes, but most of all it made the start of NaNoWriMo feel like an extra special occasion. This year will be a little different, because I’m visiting family for the week. No desk, and certainly no spare energy to stay up till the clock strikes twelve. I’m a little sad about it. Like most things related to my writing (or art), I’ve felt fiercely protective of the habit. Mostly, I’m excited to see what will happen this year, which brings me back to my first point: There is still time.
If you’ve been wondering whether you should try NaNoWriMo this year, my advice is to give it a go. The worst that can happen is you’ve written more than you might have otherwise, even if it wasn’t 50,000 words. Make a different goal, make it your own. Be a part of something.
Here’s a little last minute prep list to consider:
- Use whatever writing software you’re familiar with.
- Keep a water bottle near you, so you stay hydrated even when you’re in the zone.
- Buy yourself a nice new mug, and maybe a winners t-shirt while you’re at it.
- If you’d prefer to plot things out a little beforehand, here’s a handy guide.
- Make a list of things that inspire you (stormy weather, the smell of pine, Gregorian chanting etc)
- Tell people you’re doing it. See if you can drag them into it with you.
- Get your hands on some easy, healthy snacks. And maybe some chocolate too.
- Write in bold letters: I can edit later. Remember this, it’s true and important.
30 days, 50,000 words. Let’s do this.
Vivienne Austen 