I’m thinking about doing NaNoWriMo again this year. My first to-be-published novel, Ordinary Angels, was the product of following the NaNoWriMo plan, although I started later than everyone else, so I finished later and didn’t get to be involved in all of the hoo-haa. But, the point is, yes, I now know I can write a novel in 30 days. To be fair though, I wrote the requisite 50,000 words in 30 days, took another week to add another 10,000 to finish the plot, then over the next few months of editing and shaping it, I added another 15,000 words in the form of a sub-plot that really tied everything together.(Then somewhere in there I deleted, changed, or added more to arrive at the polished product three months after that.)

I keep telling myself not to overcommit, that it might not be the best time, and I have at least five solid reasons why I really shouldn’t try to join in. But darnit, the idea of having 50,000 words of a novel done on December 1st is just about enough to counter every single one.

Sure, it might not be pretty, but it’s easier to fix 50,000 words on paper than 50,000 to-be-written words.

If you’ve never done NaNoWriMo before, give it a think. It starts November 1st, and it really is something to behold. All that writing! When I did it before, I wasn’t on Twitter yet, and I think the companionship of thousands of other people (Last year, over 30,000 people crossed the finish line) all going through the same thing, encouraging one another, plus that glow of success at the end, well, just think of it as a writers marathon. I can promise you this: you won’t be sorry you tried! (I think I just about have myself talked into it now.)

Here’s my advice to new participants:

1. Plan ahead. Even if you don’t have an outline, have plot points ready before you begin.
2. Warn the family that you’ll be busy (and maybe a little stressed some days). Writing 1,667 words per day isn’t that hard. The tricky part is doing it for 30 days straight, rain or shine, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, through dark of night day after day. There is no spoon writer’s block. So yes, a word of warning to loved ones who might want to socialise or plan things would be a good idea.
3. Don’t just do the minimum. When I did NaNoWriMo, I set my wordcount goals to allow me to take a day or two off toward the end of the month. It came in handy, because around the third week, I got a cold and just couldnt’ think straight. Because I’d padded my goals, I was still able to finish on schedule.
4. If you’re feeling stressed or burned out, force yourself to take a little time away. Go for walks, get some exercise, meditate, whatever helps you. But DON’T just sit and stare at a blank screen. It won’t help.
5. For some people (like me), big goals can be overwhelming. Take it one day at a time, and just focus on today. Don’t think, “Oh my god, I have to write a book in a month?” Instead tell yourself, “My wordcount goal for today is 2,000 words. That will probably take about 3 hours. I can do that.” (Or whatever works for you. Some people write more quickly than I do, but I have to allow time for staring at the ceiling and watching my characters act out the scene before I can write it down.)

Well, I’m not 100% sure I’ll do it yet, but it wouldn’t hurt just to sketch out my ideas, right?

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The prizes are fantastic, but check out this grand prize:

$3,000 cash and a trip to New York City to meet with editors or agents.Writer’s Digest will fly you and a guest to The Big Apple, where you’ll spend three days and two nights in the publishing capital of the world. While you’re there, a Writer’s Digest editor will escort you to meet and share your work with four editors or agents! Plus, you’ll receive a free Diamond Publishing Package from Outskirts Press.

Entry Deadline:  May 15, 2009.
Entry Page: Writers’ Digest