It’s hard to believe, but it is already the middle of November; that means NaNoWriMo is already almost half way over! That’s right, you’re already half way done.
Today, I’d like to encourage you to check in with yourself and take a look at your NaNoWriMo progress and re-evaluate your goals. Whether you started the first half of the month strong and are struggling to stay motivated or your life prevented you from accomplishing your NaNoWriMo goals so far and you want to get back on track, this check-in will help you achieve your writing dreams.
1) Where are you at?
NaNoWriMo challenges you to write a 50,000-word novel between November 1st and November 30th. Take a look at your manuscript, and see where your word count is so far. Also, consider what other work you’ve done, such as research and brainstorming. Now, congratulate yourself on your progress. Whether you’ve completed 500 words or 25,000 words, you should be proud of yourself for working towards your goal.
2) Re-evaluate your goals.
In the beginning of NaNoWriMo, you probably set writing goals. Perhaps you set daily word count goals, or maybe you aim to write for a certain number of hours per week. With the NaNoWriMo deadline fast approaching, it is time to re-evaluate your goals. First, figure out what you have left to accomplish. Then, set new goals. If you are behind, you may need to commit more time to writing for the rest of the month.
3) Relax and write.
NaNoWriMo should be a fun challenge, so stop stressing. Grab a latte. Turn on your computer, and let your inner voice take over. You can spend all the time in the world planning and setting goals, but if you don’t actually sit down and write, you will never finish your manuscript.
I’d love to know, how is your NaNoWriMo project going?
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ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com. |
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I agree that even if you are a far away from your personal target there is reason to celebrate if NaNoWriMo has motivated you to write even a few extra pages. Writers are very good at beating ourselves up about the stuff we haven’t done. Sometimes we need to remember what we have achieved. Me? Didn’t sign up this year. But I’m not feeling guilty (ok, maybe that’s not entirely accurate, but only a tiny bit) and I am certain that one November me and NaNoWriMo will make a beautiful couple…