Mental notes for coming NaNo's.

[bookish_dragon]

Written about my own situation, but maybe someone else also finds it useful. Apart from mellinore, I am more than willing to share. ;)

• Make a plot outline, even if you do not use it during the month to come.
• Try and make the wordgoals during the first week. Do not get behind then. It is bad for your morale.
• Check that the wordcounter on the programme you are using and the NaNo-one match, and do it soon, not a week before the final day.
• Sketch out your characters. See if you can find out what makes them tick before you start writing. It saves headaches.
• Have a big list of names ready. Bit-characters need love too.
• Keep mellinore around for the moral support. Pay attention to him too. ;) I love you.
• There is a world called 'real life' beyond NaNo. Do not lose sight of your priorities. Real life trumps NaNo every time.
• Write very chance you get. Bags were invented for a reason.
• Check you have enough pens before you start.
• Talking to people helps you get out of writing snags.
• Write, even if it is only a couple of words. It is better than doing nothing, and those words might lead to more.
• Hang out with people who are also crazy enough to do NaNo. They know what you are going through.
• Do not edit excessively. Just write. Save the editing for when the month is over.
• It is all right to hate your novel, but keep writing. November is long, and you might change your mind.
• Have frequent breaks to rest your writing-hand. Your wrist will thank you.