To be sure, there are mixed opinions about the utility of getting words-down-any-words-down and powering through to get something on the page. Personally I feel that getting words-down-any-words-down can be very helpful, as I find it much easier to go back and revise than to try and conjure something for the first time.
But how does one power through? I have never attempted the marathon/race to the moon/mountain climb that is NaNoWriMo, but I’m sure that at some point that brain starts yelping, “No! More! Words!”
How do you quell that feeling and power through to keep going?
wonderer says
I agree with those who have mentioned word wars and watching the word count bar climb (you can get a nice Excel spreadsheet off the NaNo forums, too, for even more word count tracking goodness).
A3Writer@10:39's suggestion about writing towards the next "carrot" scene is also something I rely on. It works particularly well at NaNo speed because that exciting scene is never more than a few days away.
Depending on the situation and the amount of time left in the month, I might also power through by:
– complaining to / commiserating with other NaNoers
– taking my laptop to a coffee shop full of other NaNoers all typing away madly
– taking a day or two off to brainstorm instead of write
– skipping a bit that's just not coming, and moving on to a scene that will cooperate
For me, writing at NaNo speed doesn't sacrifice quality; instead, as James@10:56 said, it gives the story a narrative momentum and a life of its own. I can't sustain that pace year-round, but it's sure exhilarating while it lasts.
StaceyW says
I've never done WriMo, but here's a trick that works for me when I get stuck for words while writing: I switch point of view.
My first novel, which I'm currently revising, is written in third person. So when I hit a wall in a scene, I'd open a new document and do a first-person writing exercise to dig a little deeper into my character's head.
I don't know if it'd work as well in reverse, but it might. If you're writing in first person and are firmly embedded in your character's head, it might help to jump outside the character for a while and get a different perspective.
I doubt, though, that anybody writing a novel in 30 short days could benefit from this technique. It's not exactly a time saver.
Marilyn Peake says
That question frightens me. Seriously, how am I ever going to power through NaNoWriMo? Well, I’m not exactly planning to power through writing an entire novel in one month. I’m finding the NaNoWriMo community to be an incredibly excitable, supportive and enthusiastic one. It makes sense – NaNoWriMo participants are all in the initial falling in love stage with their novels. And their excitement is fantastically contagious! Since NaNoWriMo allows outlines to be written beforehand, I decided to try writing one. I never write outlines, but this time I completed a detailed outline in less than two days.
I’m pretty happy with where this all seems to be going. For NaNoWriMo, I’m planning to write a YA Paranormal novel for which a story idea and outline came to me fairly quickly and easily. I think that writing this novel will keep me much happier as I struggle through rewriting a complicated science fiction novel with time-traveling, political intrigue, and characters from two different periods of time.
I’m hoping to write and edit the YA Paranormal novel in four to five months, although I feel it's entirely possible that I could accomplish that during the one month of NaNoWriMo if the writing flows as quickly as the outline did. I had already estimated that it will take me about four to five months to finish rewriting and editing the science fiction novel. I guess visualizing the completion of two brand new shiny novels will help me power through the writing … It just won’t all happen in one month. 🙂
Danielle says
It is kind of disappointing to me that some people on here and on other Nathan NaNo posts are looking down their noses at NaNo or comment a lofty "Well I just write everyday NaNo or not and that's what real writers do."
Maybe I am being a tad defensive here and I apologize up front for that. I just want to say there are all kinds of writers and the majority of people who do it DO writer outside of NaNo and just use it for a shaking up of their normal routine every year. There are all sorts of reasons.
Some use it just to socialize with friends as an activity and have no intention of publishing anything…AND THAT IS OK! Who cares if it is publishable or not? Some use NaNo because the people around them will take it a little easier if they pursue their dream in a certain time period or they have other priorities and just want to give it a whirl. Quite frankly I am surprised that some here seem to be saying (correct me if I am wrong) that it isn't worth it for a real writer to do it. YMMV
E. A. Provost says
I never get stuck for words, but the quality can deteriorate. In order to keep the quality level up I've taken the advice of someone in the forums and started snowflaking my second novel. I should be able to hit the ground running Nov. 1st and get the first draft out. I can do 3,000 words in two hours if the story is there.
It also helps me to get out of the house and go somewhere where I can ignore a lot of background activity. That's easier for me to ignore than housework.
CB says
I read about how several authors did their thing to get their works finished. Although they have different ways, etc., the one thing they all seemed to have in common was/is a window of time they forced themselves to sit and write or revise. I believe Virginia Wolf said 2-3 hrs. at a time. Mr. Dahl said 2 hrs. and that's it, even if it's flowing, he said stop! One of Wolf's ideas impressed me the most. She said no matter what, you must sit in front of your typewriter/computer every single day-religiously BECAUSE you never know when the writing gods will bless you with their touch…WOW OH WOW!
That helped me recently…so many times I just wanted to run, run, run! But I sat, sat, sat. And some days it was amazing and other days not so…
As far as trying to keep it going, I read, research, and revise when I'm not feeling that new chapter or paragraph. I always found revising some part of my story to be the best springboard for new ideas, etc.!!
Jeff S Fischer says
To play off your drill sergeant, boot camp love, I find the source of the quelling and stomp it into the ground! Then I do some stretching exercises, make sure I haven't hurt myself, hit the kitchen, kiss the girlfriend, and then get back to digging. Maybe there really is something wrong with me, as every one says, but I like it.
1questionaday says
I team up with my buddies. We try and have "blow out weekends." To catch up, as the week can be challenging for word count. Gives us a great chance to see each other and spend time doing what we love. Gourmet coffee and lots of chocolate work great too:)
Steppe says
I use something similar to a word cloud in the form of cork note boards and index cards. The elements are there pinned to the board and I have cards that represent the arcs of pacing. Moving the formal plot as characters are brought on stage and engaging in the business of the story can get tedious and slow only because I am avoiding plot holes and logic drop outs. If I do the technical motions of locomotion the rest (improvisation and flavor texturals) seems like gravy improvisation and a fun dreaming trance like experience similar to getting inebriated. The skeletal outlines protect me from driving off the road while drunk and each characters restraints limit exactly how long they will allow me to drive drunk before getting control or jumping out of the car. I guess I'm a real believer in outlines I just use them in a weird way. Leave the word cloud and the story collapse from too many magic bunnies leaping out of the word sorcerers black top hat.
Most off and most importantly I structure my day to begin writing while half asleep right out of bed pacing my coffee intake naturally by jolting myself when its time to type furiously through a tight action scene or slowly prod my characters on stage very thoughtfully sentence by sentence to begin a new rise in the pace arc.
Rachel says
Since I'm always writing toward a specific climax scene (at least until I get there), here's how I get unstuck: I ask myself what needs to happen next to get my characters to that climax. Often, the answer is, I first have to get them to Scene X.
If I'm still stuck, I ask, how do I get them to Scene X? I might then say, well, in order to get to Scene X, Event A has to happen.
If I need to, I then ask, okay, so how do I get to Event A? I continue on in this way until I've focused myself down to what I need to write next.
It also helps that for me, the word count itself is a huge motivator. I race the clock, and try to write more words in an hour than I did yesterday. The quicker I type, the more momentum I build, and the less time I have to stop and think. It enables me to go with the flow, and let what happens next grow more organically instead of having to stop and figure it out on a line by line basis.
Bryan Russell (Ink) says
I think my brain hurts even thinking about writing a novel in a month.
I think mainlining some Tim Horton's coffee would be a start, though. Just hook it right into the vein.
mpclemens says
My NaNoWriMo survival tips:
* Pre-plan. I find it easier to make the word goals when they aren't wasted words. I've got the arc in advance, and know the twists, so November becomes more like a series of related writing exercises than a month-long improvisation.
* Pick regular writing times and move mountains to stick to them. I like first thing in the morning, and lunch hour. Any writing I manage in the evenings or weekends is pure bonus.
* Use a typewriter. No, really. Or at least turn off Twitter, Facebook, email, the web, the forums, YouTube, and all other forms of online distraction.
* Never, ever, ever, ever delete. Nothing. Turn off the spell and grammar checks, too. Progress is moving forward, revision is for December. Banish the backspace key. Don't look back, just keep writing, writing, writing.
Tessa Conte says
This is my first try for NaNoWriMo so I have no idea if I can manage it at all… Ask again in December? ; )
J.J. Bennett says
Sorry link was wrong…
I'll tell you after my Death Camp!
https://www.davidfarland.com/writingworkshops/death_camp/
Tabitha says
Well, I tend to write fast (whether I'm doing nano or not) because I do a huge amount of prep work beforehand. So, I know my characters as well as my best friend, and i do journalling from their perspective to get their voices. I also know where the story is going, so I am able to make good progress in a short amount of time.
Of course, it takes me a month or so of this prep work to get me to the point where I can crank out that first draft. But it's worth it because that draft can actually be revised into something good.
Jaycee Adams says
I haven't done a NaNoWriMo yet, but I've had stints when I couldn't stop writing. You've just got to have a really good idea that you know how to write down, I guess.
Soooz says
Last year I went into NaNo never having attempted to write a book before.
It was an amazing, insane and very productive time. I found working to a deadline really works for me, and have set myself challenge deadlines with eveythinng I write ever since.
I was unprepared and had no idea of what I would write, the book and the characters took over and I looked back at it and wondered "Where the hell did that come from?"
The only preparation I am doing this year is clearing the decks on Articles and blogs I am committed to. I have written my ezine articles a month ahead.
So come November 1st I will be head down, bum up and writing.
I also edit as I go … not a strict line edit, but enough that I don't cringe too much when I begin the next days marathon.
My very best wishes to all the folks entering this year. Have fun with it … I truly believe that it is a beneficial excercise.
Soooz
Regan Leigh says
For me, I think it's the opposite. I don't want to stop writing once I get in that manic writing groove. 🙂 I know I'm firmly moving in the groove when I turn down weekend plans with friends so I can spend time with my imaginary friends. 😉
I think it's harder just to put your butt in the chair and force yourself to start.
erica and christy says
We did a half-marathon last month and my problem with putting words on the page was that they kept leading me to dead ends. So, boring upon copious boring page had to be deleted after a week. So I think the key isn't always the writing – it's the planning/outlining. Which is not my strong suit. (so, no WriMo for me)
One thing that does work is writing dialogue. Yeah, some of it will get cut, but there's some great chemistry I came up with by writing conversations that helped me get out of my jog around the cul-de-sac, never finding the end!
erica
Kristy says
I saw someone before say "think in pictures not in words," and I really relate to that. I do a lot of staring and thinking and visualizing and picturing. My writing usually starts with an image. Then, I can take off.
B.E.T. says
I turn off all my electronics (besides the computer), chug a gallon of hot chocolate or iced tea (can't stand coffee and I live in the south), and keep my butt OFF the internet.
So the trick, for me at least, is sheer force of will and lack of distractions. Although there is a program I purchased that's also available online called 'write or die' that's very effective in keeping up word count. How does it work? In short, if I don't type, I lose words and start hearing really loud noises and my screen turns red and an apocalypse ensues on my laptop (damaging to my computer/manuscript? no. stress inducing and motivational? absolutely yes).
Christine says
As some of the other posters here have said, I try to always leave off in the middle of a scene or a paragraph. It's a lot easier to pick up the flow the next day when I do that.
Also, I have a set time when I try to write every day. Luckily, I work part-time, so I'm usually done with my "chores" by 2 in the afternoon. Between 2 and 5 is my writing time.
I'm not much of a caffeine person, but I have been known to resort to a glass of red wine on occasion…
ddelano says
I am engaging in NaNoFiMo instead (an attempt to Finish my novel in November!). For me, when I am having a moment where I dread trying to write something for the day, it helps to give myself small goals. I get a cup of tea (and perhaps an Oreo or two), sit down and tell myself I can stop after 300 words, even if they suck. Chances are, after 300 words I find I have a whole lot more to write.
Tricia Conway says
Some great ideas here, thanks!
I was significantly stuck last year at one point so I put the leash on the dog, left my iPod at home, and went for a walk. I talked through my ideas out loud, then came home and started writing again.
A mental break plus the promise of my own shiny bound draft at the end keep me going. Along with apples, coffee, Chex Mix, and frozen dinners.
Man, I love NaNo.
cheekychook says
I like to use the combined Nike/Risky Business approach—-Just do it/Sometimes you just gotta say WTF.
Which, now that I look at that sentence, probably underscores why I need to go back and remove the frequently occurring word "just".
Debbie Vaughan says
I have never done NaNo before but plan to approach it as I do any project.
Believe in my story. Believe it needs to be told. That belief makes it happen, makes me excited to get it out of my head. Will I make the word count? I don't know. I can write a chapter a day, time allowing. Unfortunately there are only 24 hours in a day and more that I have to do. I plan to give it my best shot!
Lia Keyes says
For me, the secret of powering through is to be part of a group of other writers doing NaNoWriMo so my competitive spirit kicks in. There's one on Facebook (which now has group chats, and shared documents for sharing useful links and resources) called NaNoWriMo Warriors at: https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_111157412281395&ap=1
I also find it helpful not to force myself to write chronologically. If I'm stuck, I jump forward to a scene I want to write, or write a random scene that may or may not end up in the book but helps me think round the obstacle I've encountered.
Caroline Starr Rose says
I failed miserably last year. NaNo is not for me.
Dick Hannah says
I find that NaNo gives me the chance to get a first draft down. The rest of the year I spend editing and revising. I like it. I try to plan it all out, but also allow a lot of brainstorming to kick in. The real planning comes in the rewrite. This is my fifth NaNo and they get better each year. I'm blogging about my experience at http://www.puborperish.blogspot.com if you'd like to read more about it.
Joanna says
Good evening everyone, I don't know about you but I get a lot of inspiration, solace and sometimes feel great empathy when I read writers' quotes. I think the following fits in with the posting today. It's from Gene Fowler…
“Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”
Cynthia says
I go old school when I'm writing a novel, and write out a physical outline of my chapters, so I know where I'm going and how I'm going to get there. lol I know, I'm such a nerd, but when it works, it works!
That said, I use my outlines when I hit a wall. I can see where I'm going, and generally, it pushes me forward. I want to reach the end, so I use the notes on my outline to jog my creative juices.
Ooh, and coffee really, really helps! You'd be amazed at how well you can write when you're all jittery!
marysgate says
I think NaNo is a great exercise. Too often as writers we get stuck on one scene trying to make it perfect instead of focusing on the whole thing, and remembering that the one scene is just a small part of your novel. NaNo makes sure you remember that your novel is the size it is and you CAN always go back to a scene you hated and alter it later ^^
glasseye says
If I'm really stuck, I start a page or two back and retype what I've already written. For some reason this tricks my brain into continuing onward, as though I were coasting downhill to get up some speed before the uphill push.
Anonymous says
For me, the worst is always the middle when I'm sweating bullets to get in my daily word count before the space invaders storm the kitchen demanding food.
If I have a pretty good idea of how I want it to end, I'll write the end first and try to create a map back to the middle.
If I really have no idea where I'm going, I'll type an entire paragraph of obscenities, giggle like an 8th grader, then delete it and get back to work. I find it helps relieve some NaNoPressure.
sirenasilver says
This is NaNo year 9 for me and I'm ALL about method-writing when I get The Block. It almost always happens midway through week 2 of NaNo.
The first 5 or 6 years, I'd go out and get myself into some trouble (while pretending to be my main character) before coming home to write about it. It could be minor trouble (inciting confrontation on public transportation) or something more involved and stranger-danger-y (like picking someone up at a bar or creeping in dark alleyways).
I think, in general, spending a little time in your character's head (and sometimes out and about as the character) and writing from his or her stream of consciousness is good in that it can get you closer to his/her wants and needs on a day-to-day level. It's not always writing that you keep after November ends, but it's food for the rest of the book.
Others have mentioned this, but now I combine that tactic with Write or Die. It's kind of amazing what the brain (or imagined-brain) can push out under threat of "Mmmbop" or crying babies on full blast.
If all that fails (or if the idea of stranger danger while pretending to be someone else makes you a little uneasy), I sometimes skip ahead to a scene I've been dreaming about or planning. Something later in the book that I'm psyched to write.
T. Anne says
I find myself throwing a problem or a revelation or some sort of conflict in every scene. I look forward to reeking havoc on my characters every day.
The Red Angel says
Pandora and granola bars. 😛 Music can get me through almost anything, it keeps me inspired and motivated. And granola bars help keep me awake and energized. 😉
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
abc says
Steppe–Love your use as the blob fish for an avatar. I relate to that blob fish somehow. Also, he looks kinda like Ziggy.
treeoflife says
How to plow through? When you're in the zone, just keep going. You need to pad your word count when you're on, so that you're OK to slip a bit when you're off.
Anonymous says
Just don't forget to take breaks and exercise to keep the blood flowing & limbs moving. Back pain, eye strain and carpal tunnel are no fun–if not now, years later.
Anonymous says
You almost got me to do it.
I want to do it.
I tried to register on the NaNoWriMo site, but they won't send password etc.
Maybe next year.
As far as powering through, it is like I am inside another world and the words come naturally.
One Sunday morning, I wrote 9,000 in about 4 hours.
word ver: johachel (interesting)
Anonymous says
Now I feel stupid.
Got registered with NaNo, but that place is scary when a person hasn't a clue what to do.
I think next year because it may take me a year to learn the ropes.
I think I will see if I can write one off stage.
word ver: inchs (spellcheck?)
One Line says
I trust long hand practice to get through some of the muck of writing. If I write long enough something profound comes through, then I get back into "production". I'm excited, this is my first NaNoWriMo in 4 years.
Sarahlynn says
The first year was hard. But once I had more experience writing longer works, 1667 words/day felt like a manageable pace . . . for a month.
I power through – when my brain starts whimpering – by creating a spreadsheet showing the cumulative word count total for each day, which drives home the cost of a day off.
And I use one night during NaNoWriMo to create a simple outline. When I'm exhausted, I use the outline like a writing assignment. "Tonight I need to write 1000 words about X. Tomorrow I will write 2000 words about Y."
This year I'm skipping NaNoWriMo to spend a month intensively editing draft novels and short stories.
kea says
During my first nanowrimo in 09, I learned that I could do it. A good friend typing away by my side helped tremendously. Writeordie was awesome as well. Now I'm rushing to finish the "final" revision (when to stop…) on that one to start the next. Nanowrimo allows me to spend one whole month devoted to a novel, there's always December for the rest of my life!
Claire Dawn says
My whole life is a Nano. If I don't get it down now, quick, it may never be done.
Sheila Cull says
You know why that is Nathan? Because any idea is a good idea because it leads to something new.
Prity says
Although I have signed up for NaNoWriMo I don't think I would be able to participate. For one – my in-laws are coming in and two I am too de-motivated.
I have tried to write on schedule before and whenever I am unable to write more, I go for caffeine and fresh air. I like to take a walk in the open and reconsider the scene. Once I find a grip I get back to my winword.
Good luck to others though! Cheers!
Becky says
When I did this a few years ago, I spent the day writing down things I saw at work or in the store and had a scene in my head before I sat down, which usually worked. On those days that it didn't work, I'd think, "What would a reader least expect?" and I wrote that. No outlining, only the daily scenes. I had a critiquer read it, said it was good, but needed conflict…so next time, instead of throwing in only a surprise, maybe it should be a surprise conflict.
RosieC says
This is my first NaNo, so we have yet to see if I have the discipline and stick-to-it-tiveness to get to the end. On the other hand, I wrote the first draft of my last novel in about 6 weeks, and it contained way over 50K (after revising, it's down to 73K from 110K). So, I'm thinking I might be able to do it. Now, if only I can wait until Monday!