So you’ve decided to pull yourself out of that NaNoWriMo slump and finish NaNoWriMo strong? Awesome! But how? Could it be as simple as writing every day? Well, consistency definitely helps—but the real key to 50k word count success lies in shifting your mindset. If you’re stuck in a writing rut and can’t seem to break through the NaNoWriMo wall, don’t panic.
Here are 5 tips to help you push through the slump and come out victorious:
1. Get real
You’re not drafting the next Great American Novel in a month. Alleviate the pressure to create flawless prose and just get your ideas down. Perfectionism is your enemy. Instead of stressing over word choice and plot structure, set a realistic daily word count goal (500, 1000, or even 300 words). If you fall short? No biggie. Just keep moving forward. NaNoWriMo is all about getting words on the page, not about perfection. You’ve got this!
2. Go off-script
Is your manuscript as exciting as soggy toast? Time to spice things up! Switch up your POV. Write a scene that’s 90% dialogue. Abandon your outline and pants it! The key to NaNoWriMo motivation is to recapture the fun and magic of writing. Try something spontaneous, something that excites you, and don’t worry about how it fits into the rest of the manuscript. After all, you can always revise in December.
3. Reflect on the past
It’s easy to get bogged down by what’s not going right. Why not take a minute to look back on what you’ve already accomplished? Remind yourself that you’ve completed projects before, you’ve received positive feedback, or maybe you’ve just managed to write more words in one month than you did all last year. Celebrate the small wins and boost your confidence to keep going. Your writing journey isn’t over yet, and you’re capable of much more than you think.
4. Pull an all-nighter
Sometimes, the best writing happens when the world is silent, the kids are asleep, and there are no distractions. If you can handle it, why not dedicate a night (or a whole day) to uninterrupted writing? Stay up late, lock yourself in a quiet room, or escape to a cozy coffee shop where the Wi-Fi signal is weak (no social media distractions here!). This can help you reconnect with your characters and story, and the extra focus will help you get those words flowing again.
5. Be patient
Slumps are a normal part of NaNoWriMo (and any writing project). Don’t panic, and don’t quit. Sometimes, a little patience goes a long way. Keep a positive attitude and allow yourself to take breaks when needed. Use moments of stress to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping or to take a walk in the park. When you return to your manuscript, you’ll come back with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of energy.
Conclusion
Winning NaNoWriMo is about more than just writing when you don’t feel like it. It’s about remembering why you started this in the first place—the story you’re passionate about telling, the goals you’re eager to reach, and the dedication it takes to write 50k words in a month. Whether this challenge has been a childhood dream or a book idea for years, it’s time to prove to yourself that you can do this. So stay the course, keep going, and when December rolls around, you’ll be so glad you did! If you’re still struggling to press on when unmotivated, we’ve got 5 more tips for you here.