On Your Marks, Get Set….Go-NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo starts on Friday. Who’s taking part this year?

I’m so, so tempted to tackle it because I have a story brewing in my head but I know what with teaching and planning upcoming classes, I’m not going to have time.

Good luck to everyone who’s going to do it. Remember you’re a winner just for stepping up to the challenge.

If, however, like me, you know it isn’t for you this year, here are some other ways you can get some writing done during the month of November-

Write a Short Story

When I went through my ‘novel writing drought’, I switched to writing short stories. I scratched the writing itch while not having to commit to a long project. Try writing a short story or two during NaNoWriMo.

Outline or Plan Out A Novel

A couple of times instead of writing a novel during November, I’ve outline and planned out one. Work on a chapter by chapter breakdown, character study, you name it.

Write A Novella

Not all stories are candidates to be full length novels but why let them go to waste when there’s such a thing as a novella. Maybe NaNoWriMo can mean write a novella month to you.

Write Anything

I always say if you write, then you have the right to call yourself a writer, published or not. Use next month to write anything that jumps into your head. Get a notebook and write. Maybe it’s a character sketch, some knock them dead dialogue, or even a poem or song lyrics.

30 Days to Better Writing

Instead of writing a novel, set the goal to be a better writer by November 30th. Not only practice each and every day…especially what you know are your weaknesses, but check out books and sites where you can learn new writing tips.

Good luck everyone. Feel free to leave a comment with your writing tip to share with other NaNoWriMo participants and authors.