- If you want/can write more than 1,667 words in a day, do it. It’ll help your wc the days you don’t want to write.
- Some days you won’t want to write. And that’s okay.
- Some days you won’t be able to write, like Thanksgiving or birthdays. That’s okay too.
- Word sprints are your friends. Also, you’ll probably make friends doing them.
- Get used to writing at weird times, in weird places, with weird materials. Realize that one of these combinations will be your sweet spot, and you’ll be able to carry this on after November.
- You’ll want to compare your progress to someone else’s. While light competition can be healthy, keep in mind that just sitting down to write is the victory, not that number by your name.
- You will miss the positive and creative atmosphere surrounding November when it’s over. Cherish it while you can.
- This is the time to take risks with POVs, tenses, structure, and characters. Nothing is off limits.
- Don’t delete a word. Strike it out, change the font of the word/sentence to white if you have to, but don’t delete. It’s good for wc’s, but it’s also good to get into the rhythm of writing without a plug. The faucet has to be turned on for the water to flow.
- It’s okay to use incentives on yourself. Anyone who says “writing 50k should be incentive enough” isn’t taking into account that not every one develops a habit this way. If you want an M&M for every 500 words, buy some M&Ms, etc.
- Don’t reread. If you’re starting new for that day, read the last sentence from your previous writing session. But rereading leads to editing. Editing leads to self-doubt. Self-doubt leads to lack of motivation. Leave editing to post-nano, when you have an actual book to edit. Don’t reread.