FAQ: Tips for Nanowrimo
These are my tips/opinions and are by no means a perfect method for being successful at NaNoWriMo
- Inspiration. I usually like to pick a genre first. Then think of my story as a cross between two existing properties like Twilight x Harry Potter. Then I distill those properties down to it's constituent parts and think about how I'm going to make my story different. Using my previous example, Twilight but with a Caribbean Mermaid Girl as the love interest. If your story doesn't fit into these parameters, then try to make it into a simple phrase or pitch so you can explain it when someone asks you what it is.
- Research. I'm super old school about this. I like going to the library and looking up the books that I need so I can get a basic understanding of the topics in my book. For my book, Kills of Her, I did a lot of research into the Song Dynasty. I used my university's history inter library loan to be able to access some academic sources into what life was like for working class women during that time period. Then I also looked into modern and historical autopsy methods. I also looked into the difference between Chinese and American forensic policing methods. I did speak to some of my university friends who were studying the subjects that I needed info on to be able to triangulate the resources I need to know where I have missing knowledge.
- Make an outline. Even if you're a pantser, you should have some idea of where you're going. It's okay if you don't use it at all, but just start somewhere. I think if you're traveling somewhere you should check out a traveler's advisory and analogous if you're writing an outline, you should use an outline workbook. Personally I would recommend this one. NaNoWriMo does have their own prep workbook, but I never used it as it was created after a couple years of me doing the event.
- Now you get to start your trip. Writing wise, I've made blog posts about how I write on my phone. Actually writing wise, sometimes I use a playlist, but I would say that it is an addition of everyday efforts. Just do it is really all there is to say.
- Editing sucks, but I would recommend a run through of Grammarly and ProWritingAid. Think of your book as a painting that is always a work in progress.
- Querying. I have not been successful at this so far, but I'd like to point out that there is a supportive community on Twitter. Also joining a querying group on discord is invaluable. Just keep a spreadsheet, take your rejections and keep editing and reapplying. It only takes one yes.
- You Got an Agent! Amazing! You have a guide to where to go!
- You decide to self publish. I'd recommend this guide.
But most importantly: writing is a personal journey, it's not a race. Not everyone is writing what you want to do and not every genre has an enormous audience. Have fun! But focus on your audience and your book! Good Luck!
