Hey writers! Welcome back to Better Writing in 5, where this month we’re discussing all things NaNoWriMo. We hope last week’s series on winning NaNoWriMo inspired you to commit to the 30-day challenge and that you’re still going strong! This week, we’ve got a few more tips on how to avoid common writer mistakes during the November challenge. Wondering which hurdles to watch out for?

Here are 5 mistakes to avoid during NaNoWriMo:

1. Being unprepared

Plenty of writers dive into their NaNoWriMo manuscript without a defined plot or theme. This lack of direction can lead to aimless writing and ultimately result in a disjointed narrative. Even if you missed out on Preptober, take a little time to brainstorm and nail down what kind of story you want to tell. Having at least a basic outline will make for more efficient writing sessions and help you stay on track throughout the month.

2. Being unrealistic

Looking to finally pen that epic saga? NaNoWriMo’s probably not the best time. Setting overly ambitious goals will only lead to frustration and burnout. Why not keep your targets attainable and avoid overwhelm as you progress? Between work, family, and Turkey Day, be realistic about what you can feasibly get done. It’s the best way to keep up that fast draft momentum and is guaranteed to make November much less stressful!

3. Being too “literary”

We all enjoy showing off our skills to impress readers or emulate our favorite authors. But you don’t want to overcomplicate your prose with flowery language and mind-boggling sentence structures. When you’re fast drafting, it’s best to keep things simple and focus on telling yourself the story. Get that puppy penned now and you can focus on dressing it up later. And remember, always be true to yourself.

4. Being a perfectionist

We know, we know, the temptation to tweak and fix your work as you go is always strong. But don’t do it! Editing too quickly will only cloud your judgment and slow you down. There will be plenty of time for this in the upcoming months! Don’t let that need for perfection hold you hostage. Stay focused, and you’ll have something worth perfecting in no time.

5. Being unorganized

I’m an avid believer that an ordered room helps ideas bloom. Find a nice, quiet space to write and tidy it up. Have all your outlines and research saved in the same place. Schedule a daily writing time and stick to it. Serious intent breeds creative content!

Conclusion

It’s never too late to formulate a strategy for NaNoWriMo success. Know your tendencies and have a plan to overcome them.  Don’t let a few bad habits slow you down this November! Keep your eye on the prize and get one step closer to your writing dreams! Looking for a few more tips to help you dodge the potholes of NaNoWriMo? Check out our next installment on common NaNoWriMo mistakes here.