• 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

Tips for #NaNoWriMo 2019

October 31, 2019 by Nathan Bransford 1 Comment

Cover of the writing guide "How to Write a Novel" by Nathan Bransford

It’s the spookiest time of year!

No, not Halloween, it’s the night before thousands of intrepid writers will begin the terrifying task of trying to write an entire novel in a single month. One that also includes a major holiday.

Are you ready for National Novel Writing Month? Are you sure?

As always, the best advice I have for writing a novel is in my guide to writing a novel, the second edition of which is now available in print, e-book, and audio. But if you need to cram, here are some posts that might help.

Getting started

  • How to write a novel
  • How to format your manuscript
  • How to choose an idea for a novel
  • How to choose your novel’s perspective
  • How to outline a novel
  • How to flesh out a character
  • Does your novel have a plot?
  • Why authors shouldn’t chase trends
  • How to get started writing a novel
  • How to find a writing style that works for you

Tips for that pesky middle

  • How to organize a chapter
  • How to craft a great voice
  • Why pacing matters in novels
  • What do your characters want?
  • What makes a great setting
  • How to write good dialogue
  • Embrace conflict in a novel
  • How to craft a good mystery in a novel
  • List of character strengths and weaknesses
  • 6 ways to build intimacy between characters
  • How to create a great villain
  • How to write a good climax in a novel

Troubleshooting

  • Editing as you go
  • The most common mistakes writers make
  • 7 reasons your characters feel flat
  • 5 ways to make a character more sympathetic
  • Do you suffer from one of these writing maladies?
  • Watch out for empty gestures in your novel
  • Are you creating a mystery or just being vague?
  • Try this trick when your novel is stuck
  • The solution to every writing problem that has ever existed

Staying productive (and sane)

  • Prioritize yourself
  • How to get over writer’s block
  • Five ways to stay motivated while writing a novel
  • 4 Ways to Stay Productive While Writing a Novel (nanowrimo.org)
  • How to regain your concentration
  • How to return to writing after a long break
  • How to keep writing when the s*** hits the fan
  • The publishing process in GIF form
  • Ten Commandments for the Happy Writer

Are you doing NaNoWriMo? Are you feeling ready?

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my online classes (NEW!), my guide to writing a novel and my guide to publishing a book.

And if you like this post: subscribe to my newsletter!

Filed Under: Writing Advice Tagged With: NaNoWriMo

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JOHN T. SHEA says

    October 31, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    Or I could just eat all the candy I was going to give the Trick-Or-Treaters. And then eat the punpkin. And then eat the Trick-Or-Treaters! MMMWWWAAAHHHAAAHHHAAA!!! (Evil laugh.) ANYTHING except actual writing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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
  • Blog Directory
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Twitter Logo Facebook Logo Instagram Logo
As an Amazon and Bookshop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and Bookshop links are usually affiliate links.