A Writer's Guide to Crushing National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, the creative excitement of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is just around the corner! If you’ve ever wanted to write a book—or if you're looking for a reason to finally finish one—NaNoWriMo is the perfect opportunity. Starting on November 1, thousands of writers from all over the world will embark on the ambitious challenge of writing 50,000 words in just 30 days. 

Sounds intense, right? It is! But it’s also an exhilarating and rewarding experience. How can you prepare for this writing marathon? Here are our seven tips and strategies to set you up for NaNoWriMo success:

1. Set Realistic Expectations
First things first—writing a novel in a month is a huge task, and life has a way of throwing curveballs. You may not hit 50,000 words by November 30, and that’s okay! NaNoWriMo isn’t about perfection; it’s about getting words on the page and embracing the creative process. Even if you don’t “win” by hitting the word count goal, the sheer act of writing consistently for a month will push you forward as a writer. The main goal is progress, not perfection. 

2. Plan Ahead (But Don’t Get Stuck in Planning)
Whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between, having at least a rough idea of your story before November 1 can be a lifesaver. Some writers spend October (affectionately called “Preptober”) fleshing out character backstories, building out world details, or outlining major plot points. If you’re into outlining, you still have a few days left to sketch out key scenes. But if detailed planning isn’t your style, no worries—just take time to get acquainted with your main characters and the world they live in. Even a simple roadmap, like a list of major plot beats, can help guide you when you’re feeling stuck.

The key here is balance. Don’t let the planning process paralyze you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to get everything perfect before you start. Remember, NaNoWriMo is about creating the messy, beautiful, sometimes chaotic first draft of your novel. You’ll have plenty of time to revise later.

3. Set a Writing Schedule
Consistency is crucial during NaNoWriMo. To hit 50,000 words by the end of November, you’ll need to write about 1,667 words per day. That can be a lot—but it’s totally doable if you establish a daily writing routine. Take a look at your schedule and carve out dedicated writing time. Maybe it’s an hour in the morning before work or two hours after the kids go to bed. Be realistic with your time, but make those sessions sacrosanct.

If you’re the type who likes accountability, consider joining a NaNoWriMo writing group or attending virtual write-ins. Having other people to check in with and share progress will keep you motivated, especially during those inevitable mid-month slumps.

4. Create a Distraction-Free Writing Environment
To hit your daily word count, it’s important to minimize distractions. Create a space where you can focus solely on your writing. This could be a cozy nook at home, a library, or a café—wherever you feel most productive. Turn off notifications on your phone, block distracting websites, and let the people in your life know you’ll be in “writing mode” for certain hours each day.

If your mind tends to wander (which is totally normal!), try the Pomodoro technique: write for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. Repeat as needed. Short bursts of focused work can make writing feel more manageable.

5. Let Go of Your Inner Critic
During NaNoWriMo, your only job is to write. This isn’t the time for endless editing or getting bogged down in word choices. The first draft is supposed to be rough! It’s easy to get frustrated when your writing doesn’t match your expectations, but remember: you can’t edit a blank page. Your inner critic will whisper things like, "You’re writing isn’t good enough!" Ignore negative thoughts, and keep moving forward. The magic happens when you push past doubt and let your ideas flow.

6. Stay Motivated
Writing a novel in 30 days is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll probably hit moments when you feel stuck or when your energy flags. This is where setting small goals and celebrating milestones comes in. Reward yourself for hitting daily word counts or finishing a tricky scene. Take a break to go for a walk or enjoy your favorite brain-healthy snack. These little rewards will keep you motivated and give you something to look forward to.

Also, don’t forget to lean into the NaNoWriMo community. Follow the hashtag #NaNoWriMo on social media, engage with fellow writers on the NaNoWriMo forums, or join local writing events. There’s nothing like the collective energy of thousands of writers all working toward the same goal to keep you fired up!

7. Have Fun!
At its heart, NaNoWriMo is about having fun and unleashing your creativity. Don’t take it too seriously. Let yourself play with your story, experiment with new ideas, and enjoy the wild ride that is novel-writing. Whether you “win” or not, you’ll walk away with something priceless—the experience of having committed to your writing and pushed your creative boundaries.

So grab your favorite notebook, charge up your laptop, and get ready to dive into your novel on November 1, 2024. You’ve got this! Happy writing!