Almost there, Pantsers! Will you be ready? We hope you’ve found this week’s How-To Preptober Series useful as you wrap up your planning. Last time, we discussed a few good tips to avoid overwhelm while developing that novel for November. Today, we’ll focus on maintaining a balanced attitude as you prep.

Here are 5 More Tips for Preptober Pantsers:

1. Get motivated

One of the best ways to keep going when the words don’t flow is knowing your WHY. Why do you want to write this book? What difference will it make in your life or in the lives of others? Nail that thing down now and you’ll be more motivated to plan—making for an easier draft and revision later.

2. Get creative

Finding unique ways to brainstorm can be the ticket to planning a well-structured manuscript without killing your creativity. Think outside the box and do what works for you: sketches, collages, drawing craft sticks from a jar. Find what you enjoy, and you’ll be much more likely to commit as you prep.

3. Get excited

Have fun as you plan, and you’ll be that much more amped to draft that novel in November. That’s what this is all about. Forget about Post-Its and worksheets. Find what works for you and do what you do best: go with the flow.

4. Get together with others

A quality writer friend can be invaluable as you navigate the ups and downs of drafting a new manuscript. A constructive CP or writing community will hold you accountable and encourage you to keep going on those days when you feel your writing is garbage or like planning just isn’t your thing. Don’t wait until November to find your people! Link up with a couple Pantsers now and start cheering one another on.

5. Get a grip

When it comes down to it, you’ve gotta be yourself. Don’t feel obligated to outline heavily like us Plotters. You could literally throw spaghetti at pictures on a wall and come up with a brilliant idea. Be okay with winging it and know that—regardless of your efforts—revision is inevitable. The point is to have fun, and there’s only one way to make that happen: do you.

Conclusion

November’s hurtling toward us like a bullet train, but there’s no need to stress.  Focus on having fun and you’ll have that plot nailed down in no time. With one week left before NaNoWriMo begins, it’s time to wrap up your blueprint and move to the starting line. Tune in next week for our last minute tips and tricks as you prepare.