It’s NaNoWriMo and how are you doing?
I thought I’d share with you some more of my favorite tips to help you finish the first week.
Take Breaks
A long, long time ago, I used to be able to sit for hours and write. Now if I do that, my body tells me it was a dumb idea. No matter your age, be kind to your body. Get up and walk around for at least five minutes for every hour that you write. The last thing you want happening is waking up the next day with muscle tension and pain that stops you from writing.
Crank Up The Music
I used to love writing to music. After my long writing break, I switched to having the TV playing in the background, and then I chose to write to music again, this time it being music only and no lyrics. See if any of the above help you become more productive.
Write Alone?
I know from past experience that I can’t write in public places. I once had a writing buddy who I’d meet at the library or coffee shop and we’d take along our laptops. She’d write and write and write. I’d watch and listen to other people’s conversations. I never got a word written and have never tried writing in public again. Decide where you’re most productive, solo, with a buddy or even a group. (And if you’re wondering, the watching and listening paid off big time because it gave me ideas for characters and dialogue).
Don’t Be Afraid
Don’t worry if you’re sitting in front of the screen and nothing comes into your head about the next part of your story. Happens all the time to me and I simply skip ahead to another scene or chapter. No rule says you have to write in order.
Pursue Something Creative
Many of us have lots of other creative pursuits besides writing. If you feel you can’t write, go and paint or knit, or sing, or play the guitar. Even cook!. You’d be surprised how doing something else sparks an idea or sorts out a problem you were having with a scene.