Happy November, writer friend! NaNoWriMo season is here, and if you are diving in, I am cheering you on every step of the way. Whether you are aiming for 50,000 words or just hoping to show up for your story a little more often, I am so glad you are here.
Not doing NaNo? You’re welcome here too. Everything in this post works any month, at any pace and with any goal, whether that is a smaller word count, a few minutes a day or simply showing up. Take what helps and leave the rest. There is no pressure here.
Below you will find my favorite tips for a cozy, steady writing month without burning out, plus a few Writing Sanctuary tools I made to help you along the way.
Tips for Your Writing Month (NaNo or Not)
- Pick a goal that fits your life. If you are going for the classic NaNo goal, 50,000 words over 30 days works out to about 1,667 words a day. That is just one option. You might choose 10,000 words, 15 minutes a day or one scene a week. Any words are good words.
- Write messy on purpose. A first draft is for getting words down, not editing. Leave notes like [fix this later] and keep going.
- Plan your next scene before you stop. End each session with one sentence about what happens next so your next start is easy.
- Try short sprints. Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and write until it rings. Small sprints add up, whenever you have them.
- Keep prompts nearby for stuck days. When the story stalls, a prompt can open a door you did not know was there.
- Notice your progress. Seeing your words or writing days add up can be a lovely boost, especially in the middle of a project.
- Be kind to yourself. Missed a day, or a week? That is okay. Pick up where you left off. Your story will wait for you.
Writing Sanctuary Tools for NaNoWriMo (and Any Month)
I made a few simple tools to keep you company, whether you are doing NaNo this month or writing at your own pace any time of year. They are here if they help, never required. You can find them all in the Writing Sanctuary shop.
NaNo Prompts Pack ($4)
30 NaNoWriMo daily prompts in an 18-page printable, with tick boxes to mark off each one and space to jot down your first ideas. Use them in order during November or pick one whenever you need a spark. Get the NaNo Prompts Pack.
Word Count & Writing Tracker ($3)
A printable word-count and writing-session tracker so you can watch your words add up and celebrate every milestone along the way, whatever your goal is. Get the Word Count & Writing Tracker.
NaNo Prompts + Word Count Tracker Bundle ($6)
Get the NaNo Prompts Pack and the Word Count & Writing Tracker together and save $1 compared with buying both. Get the NaNo Prompts + Word Count Tracker Bundle.
30-Day Writing Calendar + Prompt Journal ($8)
An undated 41-page printable with a 30-day calendar, a 50k tracker and 30 daily prompt pages. Because it is undated, you can start it any month and go at your own pace, one page at a time. Get the 30-Day Writing Calendar + Prompt Journal.
Writing Sanctuary Question
Are you doing NaNoWriMo this year, or writing your own way? Either way, what are you working on right now, and what goal (big, small or just showing up) feels right for you? Share it in the comments so we can cheer each other on!
Happy Writing ^_^
