National Novel Writing Month, often referred to as NaNoWriMo (‘na-noh-ry-moh’), is an annual, Internet-based creative writing project in the month of November. People up and down the country put pen to paper (or fingers to keys!) and aim to write 50,000 words (the minimum number of words for a novel) by 11:59PM on November 30th.
Thinking of taking part? Here’s what you need to do:
Visit the NaNoWriMo website and start by making your profile, so you can connect with other writers like you. Don’t worry if you’ve never written a novel before; this is a great excuse to get started, meet like-minded people, and you can get a lot of support too!
Announce your novel and get writing – at the end of each day or each week you can update your word count and see how other people around the world are doing! Although it’s referred to as National Novel Writing Month, it’s very much an international affair with people taking part all over the world!
Still need some inspiration? Read on…
450,000+ people get involved in writing their first novel
Determine what you want to write about for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)
The first step when it comes to writing a novel for National Novel Writing Month is determining what you want to write about (sometimes easier said than done). It doesn’t have to be ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ if that’s not your bag; although Tolkien didn’t do too badly, and neither has George R R Martin!
While it’s one of the first things people think of, writing a novel is just one type of book you can write.
The first step when it comes to novel writing is determining want to write about.
Maybe you’re very knowledgeable on a particular subject and you’d like to try your hand at a non-fiction book. If you’re passionate about travel, write about somewhere you’ve visited again and again. You may have a boat-load of local knowledge about a particular place, or maybe you know the best way to survive a long-haul flight. If you’re an avid theatre-goer or film fanatic, maybe you’ve got an idea for a gripping dramatic script? You could even write a biography or tell your own story with an autobiography – write your first book about something you’re passionate about and you can’t go wrong.
Research, research, research
It's good to know what you're talking about... books are great knowledge builders!!!
Research, we know yawn, but stick with us here. Once you’ve decided the type of book or novel you want to write, one of the biggest decisions and, often, hurdles are already out of the way. The research will help hone your idea down and make the planning stage a lot more manageable. One of the best ways to research is by reading examples of the type of book you’d like to write. Reading helps us to write. Regular and varied reading will support you in developing ideas, extending your vocabulary and exposing you to different styles and techniques. If you’re looking to write a biography, research is going to be a huge part of your process to make sure you accurately represent the person you want to write about.
Reading helps us to write. Regular and varied reading will support you in developing ideas.
The best-laid plans Of Mice and Men
See what we did there? You wouldn’t write an essay without planning it out first, and the same must be said to write a novel. Depending on the type of book you want to write, this can materialise in many ways. For a novel, you may want to start with a character, setting, a particular story you want to tell, an interesting phrase you have heard or an opening line you are keen to use. For a travel book, you may want to plan out which sights, restaurants, secret places and travel tips you’re going to talk about. There are many different ways you can plan to write for National Novel Writing Month.
Find your creative space
Your space may be under a pine tree while staring at a stunning natural views.
You may find that inspiration hits you in a particular place or at a particular time. Many people get inspiration while they’re taking a shower, driving to work or having their morning coffee. If you know this is where the creative lightning strikes, so to speak, utilise this by making sure you’ve got a way to record your thoughts. Carry a notebook around with you at all times. If you’re driving, you could make use of hands-free digital assistants in your phone to make sure you remember your ideas for later, without taking your hands off the wheel. How can I write down my ideas in the shower, you ask? Have a look at Aqua Notes a waterproof paper and pencil that sticks to the wall of your shower. What a wonderful world we live in.
Carry a notebook around with you always. You never know when the next big idea will hit.
Learn more about how to write your first novel
If you’re looking for more tools, tips, tricks and tasks to get your creative juices flowing, why not take a look at our Creative Writing Level 3 Diploma? Having a qualification in creative writing may give you the extra confidence boost you need to get going and write your first book. There are modules on how to write short stories, novels, reviews, biographies, autobiographies, scripts and travel books; to name but a few. Who knows? You could be the next Shakespeare!