Welcome back, Plotters! We hope you’ve found this week’s How-To Preptober Series useful as you fill out those worksheets. Last time, we were discussing a few good tips to save you time as you plan that novel for November. In today’s final installment, we’ll focus on establishing a healthy mindset as you prep.

Here are 5 more tips for Preptober Plotters:

1. Be okay with imperfection

Part of the reason we Plotters plot is to avoid meandering dialogues and plot holes. But a first draft is just that—the first of many. And inevitably, it’s going to be imperfect. I know it’s hard, but we have to accept that. Make a revision tracker now so as you draft you can note what needs fixing. But even as you prep, don’t spend too much time tweaking—it’ll only slow you down! Keep going, and as always, remember—you can revise later.

2. Be friendly

 Consider critique partners. Linking up with some like-minded plotters who get you is a great way to stay on track and hold yourself accountable. Not only can you report word counts to each other during NaNoWriMo and beta read for one another when you’re done, but you can also swap plot plans and character profiles for critiques. Join a writing community or reach out to someone on social media. A second opinion can work wonders for your confidence and help diminish overwhelm.

3. Be realistic

When it comes to setting your goals, be honest with yourself. You have a life: work, school, and you’ve gotta shower at some point. This isn’t the time to be an overachiever. Plan for days off and what you can reasonably get done in a couple hours a day. It isn’t about perfection, just consistency.

4. Be flexible

While we’re on setting realistic goals, remember to be flexible with your plans. Be prepared to adjust writing schedules and bump things around when you—gasp!—miss a day or two. And don’t be afraid to make a character or plot change as you go. You can always note these adjustments in a revision tracker. Trust: Things rarely go as planned, and you never know what a day may bring.

5. Be kind and reward yourself

Don’t beat yourself up when you inevitably miss a goal or don’t quite pull off a scene you planned to write. These things are part of the hills and valleys that come with penning a novel. So focus on the highs and reward yourself with a small treat whenever you achieve your chosen milestones. You can make the rewards bigger and bigger as you go. And be sure to make it epic when you type “THE END”.

Conclusion

NaNoWriMo is just around the corner, so it’s essential to stay in the right head space as you wrap up your planning. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have fun. So if you’re stressed, you’re not doing it right! Check your gut, and always keep in mind why you fell in love with planning this novel in the first place. Are you a Pantser with the opposite problem? You have a dream to write a novel, but little desire to put in so much effort? We’ve got you. Check out our next addition to the How-To Preptober Series for Pantsers here.