• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing

Helping authors achieve their dreams

  • Blog
  • Writing Advice
  • Publishing Advice
  • About
  • Take a Class
  • Get Editing

Your handy NaNoWriMo prep

October 20, 2016 by Nathan Bransford

Yes, your favorite annual torture device writing festival is here, where thousands of intrepid novelists will set aside November cheer in favor of tearing up their laptops in an effort to write a novel in just one month. It’s called NaNoWriMo, and it’s quite something.

Are you ready? You sure?

Here are some links that may help.

First off, all of my best tips are written up all nice and polished-like in my guide to writing a novel, otherwise known as How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel You Will Love Forever. (That link is to Amazon but it’s available in All The Usual Places online.)

If you prefer your advice in the free form (as in, it doesn’t cost anything), here are some links to get you started:

Getting Started

  • How to write a novel (overview)
  • How to choose an idea
  • How to get started writing a novel
  • How to return to writing after a long break
  • Do you have a plot?
  • Is your premise an archetype or a cliche?
  • Why you shouldn’t chase trends
  • Consider starting a Series Bible

Style and Voice

  • How to find a writing style that works for you
  • How to craft a great voice
  • What is pacing?
  • How to flesh out a character
  • Seven keys to writing good dialogue
  • What makes a great setting
  • Character and plot are inseparable
  • Editing as you go

Staying Sane

  • 10 Commandments for the Happy Writer
  • How to deal with new book jitters
  • Five ways to stay motivated
  • How to get over writers’ block
  • The perils of overconfidence
  • How to keep writing when the s*** hits the fan
  • How to deal with frustration
  • The solution to every writing problem that has ever existed
  • You Tell Me responses: How do you deal with the “Am I Crazies?”
  • You Tell Me responses: How do you deal with writing burnout?

Resources

  • Writing Advice Database
  • FAQs
  • You Tell Me responses: What is the best writing advice you’ve received?

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and consultations! And if you like this post, check out my guide to writing a novel.

Filed Under: Writing Advice Tagged With: NaNoWriMo, Staying Sane While Writing, writing advice

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caitlin Lane says

    October 21, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Thanks for the links! I first participated in NaNoWriMo back in '06 and have only missed out on taking part twice. I'm on the fence about NaNo this year, and I'm considering going at it as a "rebel" by using a novel I'm currently working on and just trying to add 50,000 to it. Till then, time to check out some links!

  2. JOHN T. SHEA says

    November 1, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Thanks, Nathan, for reminding us there are stores apart from Amazon, even online. And for the links to your copious advice.

Primary Sidebar

About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors achieve their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

My blog has everything you need to know to write, edit, and publish a book. Can’t find what you need or want personalized help? Reach out.

Learn more about me

Need Editing?

I'm available for consultations, edits, query critiques, brainstorming, and more.
Learn more!

My Books

How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp

Forums

Need help with your query? Want to talk books? Check out the Nathan Bransford Forums
Footer Logo
Nathan Bransford

Helping authors achieve their dreams

  • Editing Services
  • My Books
  • About Me
  • Subscribe!
  • Blog Directory
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Threads Logo Facebook Logo Instagram Logo
As an Amazon and Bookshop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and Bookshop links are usually affiliate links.
Take your writing to the next level!

Get a free course on writing and selling the book of your dreams.

Loading
Sign up for a free publishing course!

Subscribe to the newsletter for free classes on writing craft, industry tips, and more.

Loading
Get secrets from an insider!

Sign up for the newsletter for tips on advanced writing craft, querying, marketing, and more.

Loading