The idea of writing 50,000 words in 30 days is extremely daunting - especially for a beginner. But believe it or not, it is possible. Over the years, I've tried many things to make the month a little easier, and these are my top ten resources to make #NaNoWriMo smooth sailing!
1. NaNoWriMo Website
An obvious choice, but indulge me for a second. Whilst most people participating have signed up on the website at some point or another, I urge you to really explore the site. They have some amazing resources, tools, offers, articles, and advice. Here are just some of the great things you can find on the site:
- Forums to engage with budding NaNoWiMo-ers.
- Great discounts on writing tools. Use them now or treat yourself at the end of the month!
- Pep talks to keep you motivated and inspired.
- A blog full to the brim with writing tips!
2. NaNo Prep Course
Whilst this resource is linked to the first one because it's on the NaNoWriMo website, it deserves a category all on it's own - it's that awesome!
This is the first time I've used the prep course, I normally freestyle my prep or completely wing it come November 1st. But this time, I've given the official NaNo Prep Course a try, and it's brilliant. I feel extremely prepared and raring to go.
The course is recommended 6 weeks before NaNoWriMo starts, but don't let that put you off. Dip into the course to see which activities suit you - do as many or as little as you like!
3. Facebook Groups
Ah, Facebook. Both liberating and restricting, isn't it? But when it comes to NaNoWriMo, us writers need a little social interaction. Whether we need to rant about writer's block, bounce ideas off someone, or gather feedback for research, fellow writers are a vital tool.
Writing used to be a rather lonely job, but social media has created a safe space for writers to lean on each other - so let's use it!
Check out these great groups:
- The New Writers & Authors
- NaNoWriMo
- Muslimah Writers
- The Write Life Community
- NaNoWriMo ~ Muslims
- Writers Helping Writers
- NaNo Land
4. Notes App
I don't know about you, but I'm constantly opening a new note on my phone and pasting links, ideas, and images. As writers, we spend an awful lot of time procrastinating online (don't lie - you know it's true!) So why not turn that procrastinating time into something productive, and each time you see something that inspires you or could be used in your writing, save it on your Notes app so you can refer back to it when you're feeling blocked. I tend to use the generic Notes app on iOS, but there are plenty of others to choose from!
5. Thesaurus
Whether you use an online one, the Microsoft Word one, or you have a heavy hardback as a paperweight on your desk - you need a thesaurus. Even the best writers in the world draw a blank when they are looking for another word for 'happy' or 'walked'. Your thesaurus is your friend - use it well.
6. Writing Playlist
This is completely optional. Some writers can't work in silence, other writers get distracted by a noisy washing machine. I'm somewhere in the middle. Sometimes I need a decent playlist to help me relax and get out of my own head, but when creativity hits and I'm writing a tricky scene, I need total silence.
Spotify has some amazing writing and inspiration playlists and some are completely instrumental, so the lyrics won't distract you!
7. Notebook
Why do you need a notebook when you have your Notes app? Because writers are nostalgic and nothing gets the creative juices flowing quite like paper and a pen. Grab yourself a small notebook that you can carry around with you but make sure it's big enough to actually get some decent writing on one page (no key-ring notebooks from the 90s!).
8. Vision Board
I don't care how hippy you think this is - vision boards work! I'm not talking about a vision board for your bucket list and personal goals, I mean a vision board for your book and the world you hope to build. Having images that are similar to the settings, characters, and even the emotions you want in your book is a great inspiration. Have it visible in your writing space so when you feel a block coming, you can look up and be reminded of everything you want your book to be.
9. Books
We all became writers because books inspired us. So don't turn your back on them now. As we get caught up in NaNo prep, we neglect our reading habit at the worst possible time. In the run up to NaNo and especially during November, make sure you're reading as much as you can, especially from the genre you're trying to write. If you're the type, highlight your favourite passages and make notes wherever you want. Let those who succeeded inspire and motivate you! Here are some of my favourite books to dive into when I want to feel inspired by the world of fiction!
- A Conspiracy of Stars - Olivia A. Cole
- Ingo - Helen Dunmore
- The Rose Labyrinth - Titania Hardie
- Noughts & Crosses - Malorie Blackman
- Far From Home - Na'ima B. Robert
10. Calendar
Lastly, a calendar. Keeping track of your progress is what makes NaNoWriMo so effective. I've tried to join in NaNo in the past thinking: "I'll just write what I can, when I can - no pressure!" Needless to say, I didn't write much.
If you're serious about getting your book written, you need to hold yourself to account. I've put together a calendar for you to use any way you want. You can write your word count aim and then your actual word count. Or you could plan out which scenes you'll write each day and tick them off as you go. It's completely up to you!
Share the Journey!
So there you have it - ten resources and ideas to get you through the awesome month of November! Let me know in the comments which resources you love to use when writing.
Don't forget to tag @khadijahwrites on Instagram and hashtag #KWNaNoCalendar if you use the calendar!
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