Succeeding During July's Camp NaNoWriMo

I'm sure if you've been around any writers during November you may have heard them talking about an event that happens each year called NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month. A whole month is dedicated to the mad dash across the pages of a first draft where hundreds and thousands of writers get together to finish their novel in only 30 days. 

Well for those that have time constraints due to the holidays or have other writing work such as editing or revising, NaNoWriMo also holds two other writing events called camps in April and July, but instead of having to complete the 50,000 words of a first draft novel, participants can work on whatever project they want to with whatever goal they hope to accomplish 

If you've decided to venture into this word-crazy event this year here are a few tips to help you come out the end of the month feeling like a Camp Winner. 

Set Realistic Goals 

If you've struggled to complete the normal task of NaNoWriMo or haven't completed a novel in a month challenge before it's ok to use camp as a way to get a feel for what it'll be like before the main November event.

That being said your goal doesn't have to be 50,000 words for the month or the task of 1,667 words a day. 

You can start smaller such as 500 words a day for the month or aim to complete a chapter a day if you can manage. 

The main point is to dedicate a little bit of time each day to writing, the end goal is up to you. 

Create A Writing Schedule 

The most important part of Camp NaNoWriMo is dedicating the time to completing your goal. 

It's easy to fall behind if you miss a day, but if you're unsure of when you're going to be writing and you're unable to make the time for it multiple days in a row you're more likely to quit with that stress of falling so far behind your goal. 

To keep on top of it set a time for yourself to write and work on your project and stick to it. 

This can be for 20 minutes a day, half an hour to an hour or more, as long as this time is one you are going to be able to constantly show up to. 

Develop A Detailed Outline

If you're a discovery writer you may be cringing at this one, but having an outline doesn't take away the discovery. It just gives you a roadmap to work with to avoid the dreaded writer's block when you don't know where to go next in your story. 

An outline, character profiles, and a list of key events are enough of a road map to keep you on track so you can keep the words rolling across the page. 

Join A Supportive Writing Group 

The internet is filled with amazing writers and by engaging with supportive writing groups or making bands of writing buddies you can connect with like-minded writers who are also typing along on their own goals so they'll know firsthand what you are going through. 

Thinking of quitting? Stressing about the deadline? They'll be right there with you talking you off that typewriter ledge and getting you back on track to complete your goal, or they'll convince you to take a break if the stress is getting to you. 

A stressed-out writer does not write a story worth reading. 

Utilize Writing Sprints 

Writing sprints and Pomodoro sessions have saved me from failing many deadlines in my writing career, not only with novels, but I used these back in college when I had trouble just sitting down and focusing on the task at hand. 

I may be using one right this moment to help me finish this article for the day before I can take a break and catch up on some youtube. 

A quick search for writing sprints or Pomodoros will give you hundreds of results that will help you focus on your writing, boost your productivity, and help you ignore distractions at least until the timer goes off. 

Embrace First Draft Mentality 

There is no better freedom than that of a first draft and that's the best way of thinking about whatever project you're working on (Unless your goal is in fact to finish a second or third draft.) If your goal of the thirty days is to complete a certain word count, then don't go into it thinking you are going to be writing the world's greatest novel, because when you're done and you go to read it over - you just might be tempted to burn it. 

There's a reason writing takes time - the magic is in the editing, You can't expect a perfect novel to be written in thirty days, but you can at least expect the backbone of a novel to be created in thirty days and you spend the next thirty making it something you won't cringe at when you pull it out of your desk drawer.

Take Breaks and Practice Self Care 

A dead or burnt-out writer can't write. That's a simple fact. You may be in a mad dash across the page, but you still need sleep, food, and water, like your average house pet. Take care of your physical and mental well-being first and foremost. 

It's ok if you need to take a day or two off to rest and recharge. There's no one grading you or a Drill Sergent breathing his garlic breath done your neck as he screams for you to keep typing. 

Write at a pace that works best for you without overexerting yourself. 

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As long as you are making a consistent effort to work on your project throughout July it isn't possible for you to fail Camp NaNoWriMo.

You'll succeed as long as you try. 

Best of luck! 

With love, 

B. King xo xo

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