NaNoWriMo is an abbreviation for National Novel Writing Month. Every November, it offers writers a simple challenge: complete a 50,000 word work of fiction in 30 days or less. There are some key steps that you should take if you want to reach this goal.

Plan Ahead

First, plan ahead. Although you may not write any of your 50,000 words before the start date, it's a good idea to brainstorm ideas and write plot outlines well in advance. Think about your characters, your setting, your plot, and jot down these rough ideas so that you have a good starting point.

Meet With Other Writers

Second, take advantage of any writer meetups in your area. Working with others can help provide structure and motivation for your writing. 50,000 words is an ambitious goal, so don't think you have to do it all alone. Working with other writers helps make getting in your daily writing more fun.

Set Aside Time to Write

Third, make sure to set aside time to write every day, and make sure that the people close to you know that those times are off-limits. Turn off your cell phone or the ringer on your landline. Lock your door, if you can. It's easy in the beginning to think that you have plenty of time to play catch up if you miss a day or two, but it's much harder than it seems to write under pressure. Set reasonable, measurable benchmarks, such as 1700 words per day, and try to stick to them.

Use the NaNoWriMo Website

Fourth, use the tools provided on NaNoWriMo's website. Word count trackers, user forums, and writer meetup information will help a lot. You can get a real sense of achievement watching your word count grow, and seeing the word count bar approach the goal. User forums are invaluable if you're stuck, frustrated, or ready to quit. A meetup can make the difference between a day of feeling frustrated with your work and a fun day of productive writing.

Avoid Judging Your Writing

Finally, let go of value judgments about your writing. This is not a competition, and it doesn't matter if what you write is absolutely amazing or absolutely abysmal. The point here is to develop good writing habits and the discipline to complete truly substantial projects.

Most of us are not destined to be the next Hemmingway, but you can't know unless you try. Writing is a skill, and so it requires dedication and practice. NaNoWriMo offers a perfect opportunity to build your writing skill by providing
structure, tools, and companions on your road to your literary dreams.