We’re headed toward the 2-week mark of NaNoWriMo. How are you doing? We hope this month’s tips on winning NaNoWriMo have been helpful and that you’re implementing a few strategies. As you approach the muddled middle of November—as well as your manuscript—you might find more challenges arising than expected. So let’s cover a few more potholes to look out for.
Here are 5 more mistakes to avoid during NaNoWriMo:
1. Getting sloppy
Ignoring outlines and development charts isn’t a great idea. You want well-developed characters with clear motivations and arcs—not meandering plots that lead to nowhere. Neglecting any form of a plan can lead to an unsatisfying read and flat characters that fail to engage readers—not to mention endless months of revision. Take a little time—even as little as 15 minutes—to decide where your story is going and what you want your characters and readers to take away from it.
2. Getting overly excited
Meandering comical dialogue, world-building that goes on for an entire chapter. While these things can add value, spending excessive hours on the details can detract from your actual writing time. Focus on essential elements that serve the story rather than creating an exhaustive schtick or universe. And once it’s time for revision, dedicate a whole week to it if you want!
3. Getting burned out
Sure, 50k words in 30 days can, at times, seem insurmountable. But burning yourself out 10 days in won’t help you meet your goal. Writing continuously without breaks can lead to mental fatigue and ultimately slow you down. Schedule some time off throughout the week to recharge your creativity and maintain that NaNoWriMo enthusiasm all month long.
4. Getting distracted
You spent all Preptober-long planning this novel, only for 15 plot bunnies to pop up a week in! What’s a writer to do? Stay focused. You can always set a timer and jot those ideas down—but be sure to return to your current WIP ASAP. Why? Because NaNoWriMo is all about commitment. Don’t you want to finish what you start?
5. Getting distracted
When faced with challenges like writer’s block or self-doubt, some writers abandon their projects all together. Don’t let this be you. Reach out to others and seek a little motivation when you need it. Push through those bad days and keep writing! Regardless of your plot holes or fragments, you’ll be so happy that you did in the end.
Conclusion
Ultimately, NaNoWriMo is a mind game. Do you believe you can or believe you can’t? No one’s asking you to be perfect, but when it comes to penning 50k, perseverance is key. Feeling a little lost in the woods a quarter of the way in? Check out some tips to tackle overthinking during NaNoWriMo here.