4 Prep Steps to NaNo

The other day I mentioned how I planned to participate this year. *fingers crossed*

For some of you, NaNo is new. Maybe you've heard about it but never actually attempted to tackle this month long endeavor. In fact, I have a dear friend who has tried but because she's so awesome with all her contracts, she has to set the NaNo aside and work on something else. And these things happen. Not to me... but they happen! (I think I've convinced her this year!!!)

So, for those that are wanting to participate, here are a few steps to get you ready.

1. Get Registered.
Visit nanowrimo.org and get signed up. It's super easy. In fact, I just updated my status to my newest project.

2. Get Connected.
Once you are registered, you can connect with others. But if you are not sure if you want to be all out there, you can always hit up Twitter and search our hashtags. Keep a watchful eye out for the #1k1hr tags for 1000 words in 1 hour. I love these little speedy exercised.

3. Game Planning.
So basically, you need to write like 1,333 words a day for the entire month to meet the 50K goal. Easy-peasy! But, we all have lives. In fact, I have 3 kids, 1 husband and a household to manage. We are busy. In order to meet my goal, I need to establish how many words I can write each day. And yes, WRITE EACH DAY!

And if you haven't done so, I recommend an outline for your story. I'm more of a pantser but I like the idea of being a plotter. Having an outline will force me to also establish a word count goal for each day.

4. Scene Setting.
You know how you like to write so make sure you have surrounded yourself with all the tools, and snacks, to keep you motivate. Make sure your music list is updated if you're a music writer. Do you need chocolate to write those steamy romantic scenes, well stock up on Dove. You know yourself the best and whatever will keep you motivated and creative, get it!

These are just a few things that I use to keep me going. If you have questions, shoot. I'm here to help and connect! You can find me on the NaNo site at JenAndersonAuthor.

Save a Tree, Get an E-Book FREE!

Did you receive the latest edition of the TMP newsletter? No? Well, you are in luck. I happen to have a link right here (click here) that will allow you a FREE E-book from TMP!

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The Fault in Our Stars review

I'm sure my review will get lost in the thousands already left before me. I will admit, while I'm a follower on Twitter and familiar with the author, I've never read anything by him. He's on my TBR list. Anyway, when my MIL shared her unread copy, I stole away in a quiet room and dived in.
OMG!

Usually, I'm not a fan of a male author portraying a female MC but in this case, Mr. Green did it. I never once felt like a guy was talking to me but I have to wonder if he ever felt embarrassed or weird writing how "hot" Gus was.

I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like to have a friend, let alone, someone you love deeply, suffer and die from anything. I watched my grandmother quickly deal with her liver cancer and I don't think it compared to what was revealed in this book. I laughed, I cried and I even had to set it aside for a day to recollect my thoughts. As a parent, I couldn't help but picture my own child suffering and how either of them would feel losing the love of their life when they themselves were on the brink of death.

The touches of humor made this story feel real. We often do that. Find a bright, if not ugly, spot within the mess.

This was a lovely, touching story and I'm a little ashamed to say that I can't wait to watch the movie. I'm sure that was a motivating factor when I finally grabbed a copy. This story almost reminds me, in a self sacrificing way but in a more real, hard language, A Walk to Remember. Well done and thank you.