NaNoWriMo 2012

If you're not a writing nerd like me, that stands for National Novel Writing Month.

NaNoWriMo is an annual event that takes place from November 1st-30th. You are challenged to write a 50,000 word novel by the end of the month. Or just write the 50k if your piece will be longer. 

NaNoWriMo is a big deal. People do not mess around. It is a challenge, but I imagine that if you "win" it (which means complete the 50k) it must be such a satisfying feeling.

Admittedly, I had not heard of NaNo until last year, where I attempted but failed so miserably it wasn't even funny. I hadn't even been working, so I could have completely done it. I didn't though. So this year things will be different. 

I'm not jumping in blindly, I'm planning ahead this year. And I also work like crazy and am a full time college student. I'm clearly insane. 

If you break it down you need to write 1,667 words a day to reach 50,000 by November 30th. Seems daunting right?

Well just think about this. Both The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men are approximately 50,000 words. 

NaNoWriMo is especially difficult for perfectionist writers. The goal is quantity, not quality. December and onward are for editing and fixing it. The hardest thing about writing in my opinion is actually getting it done. That's where NaNo comes in. 

Don't worry though. You're not in it alone. The official NaNoWriMo is literally the most fantastic resource. With countless forums and thousands of other people participating, it's like having a virtual cheering squad without the annoying pom poms. 

No character name? Don't know what living in a certain city is like? Is your plot only halfway done? No problem. The forums will have a board and a solution for you. The best posts that I've seen thus far are the ones in the reference desk thread, and I also particularly enjoyed the "NaNo survival kit" post. 

My NaNoWriMo Survival Kit:
-Moleskine Volant journals (those are my favorites!)
-Lots of pens (particularly Ink Joy 400)
-Boundless coffee and black tea
-Cats. Always lots of cats.
-An intense playlist of emotional and inspirational music
-A 90's playlist when the other playlist gets too heavy
-My laptop if I decide to type it. I'm a sucker for longhand.
-My favorite books for some inspiration
-Fuzzy socks, oversized sweaters and flannels
-Chapstick
-My boot slippers that are bright pink and covered in slipper
-Godspeed
-Bubbl.us (the free version, I'm broke)

Everyone should give it a shot. The more the merrier! 

LINKS:
My NaNoWriMo profile
Brainstorming website (very useful!)
Official NaNoWriMo website