  Contests & Activities
This week: NaNoWriMo Prep Edited by: spidey  
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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey , and I'm your Editor this week. I'd like to discuss NaNoWriMo Prep.
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Preparing for NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month
What is NaNoWriMo? For those of you who may not know, November is National Novel Writing Month! During this month, tens of thousands of writers all over the world attempt to write 50,000 words in 30 days! Visit https://www.nanowrimo.org for all the details!
NaNo Prep
How can you prepare for writing 50,000 words in 30 days? Each of us are different, and what works for some may not work for others, but here are a few things that might help:
 Think and plan, but not too much! It's a good idea to come up with character sketches, general plot lines, scene ideas, etc., but over-thinking your novel idea too early could lead to boredom mid-November. Sometimes it's best to not to pre-plan too much and leave the excitement of coming up with new ideas during November. Remember, the goal isn't necessarily good writing.
Flex those fingers! Many NaNo-ers participate in various challenges during October to get ready for the feat of writing daily during NaNo in November. It can help to get your mind used to working every day. If you're not interested in joining community activities to get your mind muscles flexed, try daily writing in a journal.
Make a calendar! If you're like me, organizing and making lists might help, too. Writing 50,000 words in 30 days roughly translates to 1,667 each day. Make a calendar for yourself and check of each day's goal as you go!
Embrace the insanity! Writing 50,000 words may seem like a lot, but it's also very fun! Don't worry too much and enjoy the ride!
Site Tools for NaNo
 Writing.Com has a few tools to help you with your NaNo-writing! Visit "The WDC NanoLounge" [13+] to meet other WDC NaNo-ers, discuss tips, share ideas, etc. about NaNoWriMo!
The NaNo Counter - This tool can help you keep track of your NaNo word count on WDC! Visit http://www.writing.com/main/my_account/action/update_nano/nanocnt/1 to set up your own NaNo counter!
NaNo Success
Here are a few tips to make sure you're a NaNo Winner!
 Early bird - Start writing just after midnight, 12:01am November 1st. Write as much as you can to get an early start! It'll get the momentum and excitement building and give you the confidence to continue.
Daily goals - Have a goal for each day. Because of work, school, etc., we often know ahead of time when we'll be pressed for time to write. Adjust your daily goals accordingly.
Write first thing - Get your writing out of the way as early as possible. That way you're not struggling at the end of the day to get your words in. But if you write best in the evening, go that route. Work when it's best for you!
Find a community - We're lucky here at Writing.Com because we've already found a supportive community filled with writers! Find groups, forums, etc., that can lend support while you're NaNo-ing!
Never give up! Even if you decide halfway through that you don't like your idea anymore and want to start over; even if you wait until the last week of November to actually start; even if your friends and family start giving you weird looks; even if your house is falling into serious disarray. Don't worry and don't give up! You can make it through the insanity of NaNoWriMo!
Happy NaNo-ing!!
Always keep on writing!
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NaNo Activities & Contests!
Contests:
Activities:
Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Participating in activities and contests are always fun, as you get to meet some great people, and make new friends. Of course, winning something is nice to. 
Oh, and thanks for featuring my interactive. ~ BIG BAD WOLF is Howling 
I couldn't agree more!
Thanks for mentioning my contest in this week's NL! Hopefully it fits the bill for what you mentioned a successful contest has. Shame that a person can't submit a piece for her own contest.  I definitely see a lot of successful contests here on WDC. ~ Duchess Laughing Lemurs 
You're welcome, and good luck with your contest! 
I love contests here at WDC. Heck, if it weren't for contests, I'd have to pay real money for my membership rather than with gift points.  ~ billwilcox
So true!
You are the best. Thank you for featuring my items in the NL. Great contest info. ~ Wordgoddess back from the dead
You're very welcome, and thanks much for the feedback!
Questions to think about:
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo 2010? How are you preparing for it? |
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Contests & Activities: October 06, 2010 Issue [#4006]
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