It’s that time of year when many of us plan to write a book because we hate ourselves.
Hello to NaNoWriMo! And if you don’t know what it is (ARE YOU LIVING UNDER A ROCK, SON) it’s basically a month-long challenge in November to write 50,000-words. Writing is hard, okay. This is a truth universally acknowledged. You’re trying to be a bunch of different people ALL AT ONCE in a story that hopefully makes sense by the end. *
Some people take years to write. Other incredibly annoying people take a few days.
Yeah, um that was a massive burn @ me who writes 90K in 3 days quite regularly. But look at my blog title. I’m basically the Fast & Furious and I do use my “fastness” for other purposes, like getting the heck out of there when it’s time to socialise. #Skills
But that’s not what this post is about.
In honour of the month of trauma NaNoWriMo, I want to give you 10 tips to help write 50K in a month! These are really intelligent writing hacks that you can use all year around. And I wish to doubly underline that they’re intelligent and not at all dangerous.
(Just, um…get an adult when you’re using scissors, a stove, or that bloody meat cleaver, okay?)
* LOL.
OTHER WRITING POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
1. YOU’RE WRITING A FIRST DRAFT, NOT A POLISHED MANUSCRIPT.
Now I can see the panicked sheen of your eyes as you whisper, “Cait, I’m a perfectionist and I can’t help that.” And OK! I am a perfectionist too! BUT NOT DURING 1ST DRAFTS. When it comes to perfectionism, you honestly have to make a deal with yourself. A good way to go about this is:
- Realise you want things perfect OR YOU WANT TO BURN DOWN THE SUN.
- Say that’s ok. Love yourself, satan.
- Make a deal with yourself in that: NO you may not edit while you’re writing in November. But YES you may edit when you’re finish.
- I CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH.
- Reward yourself with cookies, cake, the true throne of England — it doesn’t matter. But you WILL get to be a perfectionist, just. not. yet.
I actually nearly quit writing because of perfectionism. I acknowledge that it sabotages my writing and I work with it.
Anyhow I also wrote a FANTASTIC post on how to write a “perfect” (aka gnarly) first draft last year before NaNo. So go reeeead that and bask in my genius. Or, you know. Don’t bask. I can bask alone. I’m my own biggest fan which is very supportive of me.
2. NO CLUE WHAT THE HECK YOU’RE SAYING IN THAT SCENE? JUST KEEP WRITING IN CIRCLES TILL YOU FIGURE IT OUT.
The reason my 1st drafts are usually 100K+ is because (A) I hate myself and wish I was a piece of bread, and (B) I often don’t know what I’m saying in every scene. So I just keep writing until the meaning appears. A LOT of people would edit that as they go, or think, “Woah woah this is a dialogue bunny trail! I need to back up.”
I leave those waffling moments in. Let them argue about cornflakes for a hot second. IT’S OK.
Why? Because:
- I’m actually learning more about my characters for every word I write <— super important
- that scene might be dumb now, but it might be useful in rewrites
- DON’T DON’T DON’T GO BACK AND EDIT. ALWAYS GO FORWARD. NO BACKSPACING. Unless you are heinous at spelling like me and need to retype your own characters’ names. I…I would not do that. Ha ha.
Every scene SHOULD have a point, but in 1st drafts? It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters. The world is a void and you’re screaming into it and laughing until you fall over.
#We #Love #Writing
3. DON’T BE SCARED TO MAKE HUGE CHANGES MID-DRAFT.
Because if you don’t wish for death while editing, are you even writing`?!? HA HA JUST KIDDING. OH WOW PLEASE SAVE ME FROM MYSELF.
The point is: sometimes I get violently hit with a way to make my book BETTER…and I’ll be 15,000 words in already. I don’t go back and add in that character. I just keep going like that character was always there. It’s OK. You can fix that in edits. Make a little note to yourself if needed.
Otherwise, onwards, son. Stop crying on the floor. Your ancestors were not puddles. Up, UP.
4. SMACKED IN THE FACE WITH JEALOUSY OVER SOMEONE ELSE’S SUCCESS? UNPACK THE REASONS WHY.
Look, it’s hard to see other’s success while you feel like a soggy piece of bread. It sucks. You want to feed yourself to the duckpond.
A good way to work on this is to talk yourself through the situation:
- “They’re writing much faster than me, but does it really MATTER????”
- “I have two favourite professional authors…but do I know how long it takes them to write a draft? Nope. Does it affect my enjoyment of their published books? NOPE.”
- “Maybe they’ve been writing longer than me so have more experience.”
- “Oh that person has been working FOR FAR LESS YEARS than me but has a book deal?? Maybe they’re a marginalised voice that needs to be heard? Maybe it was right-place-right-time. Maybe my book isn’t quite ready yet anyway. Maybe I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes in their journey.”
- “MY TIME IS COMING LIKE THE QUEEN OF THE CONQUERORS.”
- “I support them = they support me.”
- “Their first draft looks SO MUCH BETTER than mine, but does it matter??? Everyone has to edit!”
Mate, it literally matters 0% how you get to the end of a book.
Just GET THERE. And honestly if you actually enjoy yourself and take pride in whatever breadcrumbs you’re putting onto the page? Then you’re going to enjoy this.
5. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS JUST KILL OFF YOUR CHARACTERS.
This is the kind of quality advice you come to me for. Don’t @ me with your questions. I’m not here to make sense.
6. IF YOUR SCENES ARE TOO SHORT, TRY FLESHING OUT WHAT’S ALREADY HAPPENING.
I mean OBVIOUSLY this isn’t a problem for me. (I say while I murder my 100K first drafts.) But if you find your little weedy NaNo book is look like a prune that’s been in the bath too long, instead of a fat plum — you’ll start to panic you won’t hit the 50K because you don’t have enough to say.
HOW TO MAKE FATTER SCENES:
- Feed your scenes small chocolate pastries.
- Not working?
- OK feed them to yourself. Let’s not waste anything here.
- Next look at what’s coming up in your book (ex: they have to steal the ancient cured dagger)…so make something interesting happen on the JOURNEY THERE. Oh! A new scene!
- Make dialogue longer so we get to know characters better.
- Remember to add in snippets of thoughts and feelings.
- ADD THE 5 SENSES INTO YOUR DESCRIPTION DANGIT, JANET, THIS WILL IMPROVE YOUR VISUALS 500%
- Instead of saying “they had a morose dinner” actually describe the morose dinner (and make sure to add in pivotal dialogue or thought processes that’ll impact the novel).
- Feed everyone more chocolate pastries because by this point why not.
7. BUY A REALLY COOL WRITERS MUG AND KEEP IT NEARBY FOR COFFEE OR TO CATCH YOUR TEARS.
I’m sure this is quality advice on this quality blog where I’ve only called you a piece of bread in a duckpond once.
You’re doing fine, sweetie. Keep going.
8. TREAT YOUR WRITING AS SOMETHING IMPORTANT, NOT AS THAT “OH THIS HOBBY WILL NEVER GO ANYWHERE” THING.
Unless you just want it to be a lowkey hobby? Then do what you want, my little Loki.
But otherwise, never never never talk yourself down.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS I NEVER WANT TO HEAR YOU SAY TO YOURSELF:
- My book is dumb.
- I’m not the best writer there is so I’ll never get published.
- I CAN’T FIND MY BRAIN WHAT BOX DID I PUT IT IN.
- If I don’t finish this book, I failed.
- If I can’t write fast then I failed.
- I don’t really deserve to be published because other people work harder than me.
- I’ll never figure out what I’m doing.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD SAY INSTEAD:
- My book sucks right now, sure, but I can make it better.
- I’m not the best writer there is, but I love telling stories so why shouldn’t I tell them??!
- If I don’t finish or like this book later, I’ll write another one.
- OH WOW! THAT’S THE BOX I LEFT MY BRAIN IN HAHA I’M SO GLAD I FOUND IT.
- I don’t have the time/energy/resources to work really really hard at publishing, but if I WANT it super badly, I will make time for it when I can.
- My writing is IMPORTANT. It’s not a hobby.
- I DO HAVE MORE THAN ONE BOOK INSIDE ME. IT’S OK. THEY’LL COME WHEN THEY’RE READY.
- It’s totally fine if I sacrifice my sibling under the full blood moon to aid my writing process.
- The more I write, the better I’ll get.
- I AM A WRITER IF I’VE WRITTEN 50 WORDS OR 50,000 WORDS.
I’m not even joking, it took me till my 21st manuscript to be unashamedly proud of every word I write.
Hopefully it’ll be faster for you. But self-destructive thinking is the WORST. You need to be your #1 fan. And, hey, I acknowledge my writing still sucks a lot! I cry over my mother * that I think my book is dumb and will never nevvvvvver work.
But do you know what? I have a 2-book deal.** I drafted that book and thought it was absolute trash…and then it got better. Look I’ll always get rejections, have to do huge edits, or write something I might not love or that my editor might not love. But I’m telling myself that (A) I love writing and I deserve to be a writer, and (B) the world is over-populated anyway so human sacrifices are fine. ***
* She has an umbrella and raincoat for these days so she’s cool with it.
** BAM HIT ‘EM WITH THE SELF-PROMO AGAIN. PEOPLES, I SWEAR I JUST CAN’T SHUT UP ABOUT IT.
*** Juuuuust kidding. I think. Please don’t look in my freezer.
9. TAKE TIME OFF IF YOU CAN AND TELL YOUR FAMILY YOU’RE DEAD TO THEM.
Obviously not everyone can do this, but IF YOU CAN, try to put aside specific times for writing. I’m lucky enough that I can take 3 days off and put in 8+ hours writing.
But anyway, if your family doesn’t like this idea, get some fake blood and be creative.
Make sacrifices. Writing is important.
You can sacrifice…
- endless scrolling through social media
- sleep (get up earlier!)
- watching TV / movies
- reading
- (although make sure if you’re in writing for the LONG HAUL that you refill your creative tank!! don’t work empty!! you will die!!)
- random teenage boys
- your weird cousin (unless you are the weird cousin)
- socialising (don’t cut yourself off forever, but hey this draft will be over sooner the faster you go)
- other hobbies
- eating food, i mean, you can exist on air
10. DO THE BULK OF YOUR WRITING WITHOUT ACTUALLY WRITING A THING.
Isn’t this clever? This is what we go to Hogwarts for. dARK MAGIC.
OK fine. I’ll be specific. If you think about what you want to write BEFORE you sit down to write it, you have way less time panicking at a blank page. I write a ton of my scenes “in my head” while I go for a walk. I also outline pretty intensely as I’ve mentioned to avoid writer’s block.
This is the PERFECT time to ignore reality —-> get sucked into your own world. I personally adore “living” in my own head intensely while I draft. I’m fascinating ok. Super humble too. But don’t be scared to really really think about your book all the time. Don’t forget to like breathe/eat/communicate with humans/work/take breaks…but let yourself be immersed!
This is a super fun exploration. A BEAR HUNT! You’ll probably die via being eaten by a bear, but not before you’ve had fun.
RIGHT. YOU ARE SO PREPARED YOU ARE BASICALLY A PEAR.
I shall shout vague encouragements at you at all times. Especially on twitter. (Actually I’m just kidding, I’ll probably be pithy over there and ask what is wrong with writers.) But it’ll be fun. Join me.
And just remember I’m not doing NaNoWriMo until later in November. So you all have a great chance to beat me. Go for it.
OMG THIS PHOTOS IS GENUINELY ATTRACTIVE AND I WANT TO MARRY IT.
You: You can sacrifice sleep.
Me: I have no sleep left to sacrifice.
I think I’m going to go for it. I mean, what have I got to lose, right?
Great post, Cait!
You know…that’s honestly a problem for me too.😂I mean I get up at 5:30 already…THERE’S NO MORE TIME TO GET UP, CAIT. who wrote this post.
AAAAAAGH NANO IS TOMORROW *calms down*. I am so excited for NanoWriMo and these tips were super helpful thanks. Except the part about making time for it? Like what is that? I have so much going on in my life atm lol (I’m living by myself and my laptop is dead and I have a fulltime internship at this women’s empowerment organisation) (but I do actually have a time: 8 to 10 am every day. I WILL DO IT. Determination I think is key to NaNo. I’m so excited to develop the details of my fantas world and also write about a fantasy university because fantasy universities are the best (I’m looking at the Name of the Wind right now). I usually manage to take pride in my writing even when its a very very messy first draft. My family is also really encouraging…they remind me that my writing is important to me when I’m trying to figure out how to make it work and edit things and so on. My mother is always encouraging me to submit pieces I’ve written and she thinks I should get paid for writing reviews in magazines or something, she’s delusional but very encouraging…she doesn’t let me talk myself down lol.
NO TIME TO CALM DOWN SHANTI. ONLY TIME TO SCREAM. *hollers into the void* I mean, I do write really fast so I have no excuse to panic, but I always freak out about starting!?? Like it’s hard.😂
(I really admire you squeezing writing with all that going on. That is INTENSE. I would be a mess.😂)
And omg we need more magical universities so badly, yes please and thank you to your novel.
Also my family is pretty awesome when it comes to writing and they even try not to interrupt me when I’m sprinting.😂 SO NICE. (And haha to your mum saying you should get paid! My parents say the same things. it’s very sweet but like…when does that even happen these days.😂)
I totally agree with the point that you need to treat writing like something serious. That’s one of the major ways that nanowrimo helps me, I am quite competitive so the whole community also writing helps encourage me to keep going. If I don’t treat writing as something that I need to do and instead go with the “it would be nice but whatever if I don’t end up doing it” mindset then I get to the end of the day and have spare time and go watch tv instead.
My other main thing is taking the time to prepare. I need to have an outline or some idea of what I am writing, but I struggle with producing that outline and clear plot structure so much. It can take me months to have a full outline and a plot that actually makes sense. I often try multiple different villains or scenarios and keep playing around with how I can make the few scenes that I know need to happen actually occur. The only problem is I really don’t want to do this because it’s such a lot of effort. I will be really motivated to write then realise I currently have nothing to work on until I finish my outline then just step back to avoid the pain because it’s easier. I constantly have to remind myself that unless I set aside that time I won’t be able to do the (slightly) easier job of first drafting and I will end up with nothing at all.
Yes exactly! That’s why I also think NaNo is SO important, because it really motivates us when we see a ton of other people doing what we’re doing, right?! It’s a little less of an alone thing. 😂
Preparing is SUPER important for me too. I should’ve noted that in my list haah. (I forget because I just assume everyone outlines because I do. SILLY CAIT.) But I couldn’t do NaNo (or any writing tbh) without a solid outline.😂
NaNoWriMo is going to be SUPER hard for me this year, I think. I’ve spent the entire year (!!!) rewriting/editing books so my WIPs are (…mostly) getting to a state where I’m pleased with them, or, at the very least, pleased at where they’re heading. Drafting something new & flawed might be a little strange after editing for so long. But I also can’t wait to dive into something new, and exciting, and a book I’ve been wanting to work for a long time. For me that’s definitely the key: finding the novel idea I’m extremely passionate about. I also love doing writing sprints with other writers on Twitter. So much fun, and super encouraging.
Ohh I totally get that. I’ve been editing/rewriting since September so I’m kind of in that mode too. *squeaks nervously* And like the fact that Im polishing something now and then plan to go straight and write a first draft? HELP ME. So I understand the feels. We can be terrified together.😂
Nothing beats being super passionate about your work. 😍 Even if I’m writing crappy first drafts, if I love the characters it makes it bearable.
Ahhhhh! I really wanted to do NaNo but my outline is almost non-existent. I guess I’ll be a pantser (my true self, I hate outlining) because I desperately want to actually write a book.
Hey if pantsing is your thing YOU SHOULD JUST GO WITH THAT!! Whatever works for you right?!? I hope you have fun. 🎉🎉
This is such a fantastic post, Cait, thank you for all the fabulous advice!! <3 I will try and do NaNoWriMo – well, I will try and use this time to edit my book, if I know what to do or how to start this thing. All of this writing frenzy is so fabulous, I love it so much and it inspires me soooooooo much. <3 My first drafts are always a mess and it is so important to remind ourselves that it's okay if it sucks and does not make sense, because it is A FIRST DRAFT.
Great post!! xx
Eeeep, thanks, Marie!! I was surprisingly motivating in this one.😂 WHO AM I. BAhah. And hey editing during NaNo is cool too! I’m technically editing right now and have 50K to go so I’m trying to decide whether to log that in.😂 (I’m like fully rewriting so it *kind* of counts, right?!) And oh oh just the community of writers is so much FUN. I absolutely love it. 😍
Thanks for the advice!! (although I have no intention of sacrificing anyone, lol)
Truth be told, I’m really nervous because this is my first ever Nanowrimo where I’m not letting myself give up so I’ve told my family and friends EVERYDAY.
But, even though I’ve been basically outlining since before summer(like since the end of 2016 because my idea changed from a dystopian novel to a fantasy over winterbreak off from school and it was so much BETTER because I was getting nowhere with the dystopian anyway)BUT DESPITE ALL THAT, LEGIT 2 WEEKS BEFORE NANOWRIMO, IMPORTANT THINGS IN MY STORY CHANGED AND NOW I’M A HYPERACTIVE AND NEAR EXPLOSIVE POTATO SITTING IN A HUMAN BODY SEND HELP.
I mean, look at the bright side, my characters are now these beautifully deadly smol potatos when before they were soggy French fries. They’ve changed and it’s good
But I still feel nervous because now my entire outlining process was thrown off and I don’t know if that will hinder my writing during nanowrimo.
But I STILL LOVE WRITING AND THIS IDEA HAS BEEN GROWING SO BEAUTIFULLY IN MY HEAD AND NOW I WILL PUT IT ON PAPER AND WATCH IT GROW. MY BABY!
Good luck, everyone! May the odds be ever in your favor! WE’LL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS TOGETHER *throws chocolates at you*
You know that is PROBABLY a good thing. We should keep our weird cousins. They might come in handy later. *nods*
And eeeeep, CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST NANO!! DON’T GIVE UP! It’s honestly amazing to just push through to the end, even if it’s crappy (mine always are😂) because you can shout that YOU DID IT and that makes it all worth it.
And, mate, I hear you.😂I legit just changed a huge thing in my book today and like…WHAT ARE YOU DOING BRAIN.😂 But so long as we’ve got notes and enthusiasm, we’re on the road to winning right?!
That…was amazingly motivating and reassuring ._. I now feel like, and least 175% less anxious about Nano starting tomorrow.
I definitely have the bad habit of deciding if I fall behind on my word count, I’ve failed so why deny the inevitable? And just end up giving up 🙁 This year, I’ve taken a day off to boost my initial word count; I’ve planned the heck out of my story (though the characters could still use a little work T_T), and I’m not going to give up even if I end up with scrawled notes of ‘ffs go back and fix this next draft’ in all of the margins.
Thanks for the motivation 🙂
AWWW, I’M SO HAPPY. And weirded out that I actually wrote an encouraging post.😂I mean, the sacrifices part was definitely calming too, I’m sure.
And agh I totally get those self-destructive thought patterns. I often feel like if I screw up a first draft that means it’s HOPELESS FOREVER. It isn’t! It can work out later! The important thing is to get that book written because it’s the best feeling to say, “I finished my book!”
I legit find your posts 90% encouraging and asking 1027% hilarious 😂👍 they are awesome motivators (though, if that motivation could move away from fanfiction and back to an actual novel, that’d be greeeaaaaaat).
Is it bad that another biiiiig motivator this year for Nano is someone calling writing just a ‘fun hobby’? Like legit, the rage feels are still there…I’m hoping to use them to fuel creative mayhem and description in my manuscript 👌 More than the feeling of finishing a manuscript, I want that best feeling to be burying my new found frienmy in drafts and paper cuts and half-summoned demons (Ira no fun if they’re fully summoned; this way you get the full horror experience with added cleanup but sliiiightly less world ending peril) 👍
THIS IS MY GOAL. I AM VERY PLEASED. (Definitely here for the half summoned demons and the near death experiences like wow what would writing be like without those😂). And writing can totally be a fun hobby if someone WANTS it to be. But I HATE the dismissiveness of people thinking that “oh you’ll never get published so it’s just a hobby”. Like how dare u, sir. We must fight to be acknowledged!! I’m really really lucky to have a family who’s always seen my writing as work and not just a little thing for fun. <3
Oh yes I’m very freaked out over the NaNo and I’m seriously considering sacrifices rn (legit listening to a song about blowing up a high school…. who needs education anyway? NOT ME).
The most exciting thing about my NaNo novel would probably be my big evil plot twist because HEY THIS CHARACTER ISN’T EMOTIONALLY DAMAGED ENOUGH YET crap get the duct tape I broke him.
Hahahahaha, messy first drafts? Honey, my first draft for my other novel could’ve been done ages ago, but no. Eleven months in, and I’m still working to actually write out the whole darned story (although technically I’m on draft 3.1, but I HAVEn’T ACTUALLy FinIshed the Other DRAFTS).
Well, that depends on my day. If I’m having a good day, I’ll be all “I’m the next Rick Riordan, man. People will love my diverse cast and representation, as well as intense plot and snarky characters!” and then the next day I could be all “Even Stephanie Meyer would hate this book.” My mind is a rollercoaster.
(and yes, another repeat BUT HELP I’M LAZY AND THAT’S WHY I HAVEN’T WON NANO YET Hulp.) (But also, like, I’m rlly proud of these aesthetics they’re the first ones I’ve made that didn’t totally crash and burn and I legit made ’em on PowerPoint so I’m so proud.)
SEEMS LEGIT. GOOD LUCK.🎉😂 And also big evil plot twists are AMAZING. I love those. The book I’m currently editing has plenty of plot twists which usually involve me throwing characters off cliffs but, ya know. Good times for all. (EXCEPT OUR CHARACTERS?!?)
I think it’s fair for us to have good and bad days with our opinions on our art.😂It balances, hahaa. But the important thing is to remember we CAN get better. (I tell myself this 3989 x a day basically when I’m writing.)😂
I love my writing but I feel like I don’t do justice to my characters, and also I love writing. I am doing NANoWriMo for the first time which is kinda scary considering I have a full time job and that includes some OOH work which yeah, not good idea, but on the other hand, the book I am writing has already several scenes in my head crystal clear so I kinda know where I am going with it and it has been with me for years and years, just fleshing out inside my head.
Why starting NaNo so late?
I SO get that!! I feel the same way, like I’m doing a disservice to my own stories by writing it.😂But hey we’ll get better right?!? We just have to never quit.
Eeep, good luck balancing working + writing. That will be tough, but I BELIEVE IN YOU. *shouts vague encouragements*
(Oh I’m just caught up in work/another project for a week or so. Then I’ll be free.😂)
I am ready for NaNo.
I hope. I pray. I think.
I have an attack plan sitting in my desk, which is baaaaasically a table of contents so I know exactly how the story’s going to unfold and I don’t get lost like I did with my NaNo last year. (Need to go fix that book, and finish it.)
I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to my writing. I like a clean first draft, okay? Yes, it slows me down a bit, but I also have something that I’m proud of when I’m done, and with as much as I’ve written under my belt, it seems to be working. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I DON’T write for myself. Myself is content with the stories staying in my head where they are 100% perfect. I write so I can share those stories with others.
And I’m always proud of my writing. Because I create worlds out of pencil lead and computer pixels. And people seem to like what I write.
YOU GOT THIS, KENDRA. *throws confetti and climbs up a bookshelf* And hey if clean drafts works really well for you then go for it.😂 I know I’m going to rewrite my whole book anyway, so I might as well write crap and then work slower and carefully later. But it’s important to figure out what works for us, right?! Perfectionism was killing me so I had to put it in a box.
I’m glad you’re proud of your writing!
This year will be the year that I don’t edit while writing! (Literally have done it each year because I can’t help myself and therefore never finish the book because I’m so intent on perfecting it)
But this year I’m not editing at all. Im also freaking out because this is a brand new idea about a reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood where she’s kinda a vilgilate/killer and yeah…going to that…is kinda freaking me out. 😳😂
Good luck on yours Cait!! (And thanks for the tips!)
yayyyy I’m glad you’re just going to push through this draft, Stephanie!! I think editing while writing tends to get us stuck right?! Because we end up just seeing all the problems.😂 BUT DUDE YOUR IDEA SOUNDS AMAZING. I love retellings with epic twists like that. Good luck!!
*takes a deep breath* I’m ready.
WHO AM I KIDDING I’M NOT EVEN CLOSE TO READY.
but i’m as close as i’ll ever be so ONWARD!
*dies*
Most crazily, ~Olive
YOU GOT THIS, OLIVE, GET SOME CAKE AND GET WRITING!! I BELIEVE IN YOU.
I, unfortunately, will be getting zero days off this month, so I’m planning to sacrifice sleep and social media (huzzah)! Getting up before the rest of my family does is MAGIC for productivity, because then I have no distractions. None! (They’re a very distracting bunch. 😉 ) I think each year I get just a tiny bit better at being less of a perfectionist, but I still have miles to go before I’ll get there completely. Best of luck to you!
WHO NEEDS SLEEP. OBVIOUSLY NOT US. *throws confetti in the air and runs into a wall* I actually can’t get up earlier, but I admire you for being able to! I mean, I get up at 5:30am anyway but.😂 I think it’s really cool to see ourselves grow into not being self-destructive perfectionists. I think that’s the #1 cause of writer deaths.😂
Honestly, it’s when I figured out that there’s absolutely no reason to delete old words that I actually start winning NaNoWriMo. And this year I actually have an outline, so we’ll see how this goes.
And the speed at which you write is mildly terrifying. You are the only person I know that can start NaNoWriMo partway through the month and still be totally confident that you’ll finish on time. CAIT. WHAT WITCHCRAFT IS THIS.
Yes! That’s so important to remember, right?!😂 Like I write whole chapters and go: “Yep I’ll delete that in draft 2.” 😂 But hey at least it’s THERE and sometimes there’ll be one line of dialogue that’s still good. Writing is so frustrating and awesome.😂
Awww, Aine. I’m honoured. I’m also SUPER ANNOYING.😂 Hey but at least this year NaNo on twitter won’t try to strangle me if I don’t finish in the first 3 days?!
AAAAAGGGGHHH NANO IS TERRIFYING!! Normally I’d be perfectly fine with just blindly smashing the keyboard and trying to find my way to the story I want to tell, but this year, I’m trying to write a second draft. I can’t get it out of my head that if I write another “first-draft-like draft,” it’s going to be a waste of my time. I know it’s not, and no matter what happens this month I’ll be making forward progress, but I still feel pressure to make *enough* progress. I’m really excited to jump back into this world again, and I know at least *something* good will come from this experience, and that’s enough. But I hope I’m actually happy with the progress I make, even though it isn’t going to be perfect!
Absolutely yes! And it doesn’t matter if your 2nd draft then needs a 3rd draft. These things can totally happen!! I just wrote a 2nd draft this year that needed a 3rd draft and it was like ANNOYING but it ended up so so much freaking better?! It’s all steps forward to our goal of ruling the world. Or, ya know, having a finished book.😂 Same thing.
“Your ancestors were not puddles. Up, UP.” BEST ADVICE EVER.
Actually, this whole post is rather encouraging, so thank you for that.
Except the part where you said that I can exist without food?? What even is this mythical state you speak of??? I’m actually stocking up on junk food and ice cream for NaNo. Which starts in less than 5 hours, my time. I’M NOT FREAKING OUT AT ALL.
So, I’m basically equal parts self-love and self-loathing. One morning I’ll be like, “You egg, you SUCK. Spare your keyboard from having to endure your SUCKY TYPING OF SUCKY WORDS.” That same evening I would congratulate myself on being the epitome of perfection. Hahaha, I’m totally sane.
Also, don’t ever shut up about your book. IT’S A BIG THING. Do talk more about it. I’m longing for more details, specifically the enTIRE BOOK., please and thank you.
At any rate, best wishes for NaNo!
I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT.😂 Also a bit weirded out how encouraging I ended up being…like who even am I. Where is the darkness. (Oh that was like #5 so it’s still there.😂)
I’m just putting in a few red herrings (like the not eating and just writing) to be sure you’re all paying attention. Like can we actually write without chocolate??? Would the story work?? IDK and won’t take the risk.
And hahahaha I’M THE SAME THOUGH.😂 Usually at the the same sentence thinking I’m genius and an idiot all at once.😂 (And omg *squishes you* I can’t wait till I can talk more about ATPN too.😂)
These are some great tips! 🙂
I especially need to learn how to fatten up some of my scenes, as my chapters always end up pretty short. So if that happens I’ll be sure to try the chocolate pastries thing, and failing that I’ll just try to add in some more character building stuff! 🙂
Ahh thanks, Laura! I’m glad you liked them! I always am here hacking at my scenes to make them SMALLER bahaha. But once I was really bad at getting books even to the 50K area. So I’m glad it helped!! (Chocolate tho. Chocolate is always the answer.)
Before you jump in, think about it long and hard. Do you want to spend hours sitting in front of your computer? Do you want to have characters and plot twists swirling around in your head at every turn? Do you want the daunting task of placing the perfect words in each and every sentence? Do you, at times, want to smash your head against your keyboard? If your answer is yes, and not a mousy yes, but a standing-on-the-couch-Tom-Cruise yes, then maybe you’re just crazy enough to write a novel in a month.
LET NO ONE SAY WRITERS ARE SANE.😂😂
This is a great post! I agree with absolutely everything here, and this was also motivation for me to continue writing. I’m sort of in the middle of writing my own novel and have decided to off a character for the greater benefit of my main character. It’s been doing my head in, but I’m positive I’ll get out of this rut. Thanks for the inspiration!!! -E
Ahhh I’m SO pleased you found it encouraging!! THAT IS MY GOAL HERE. And honestly getting stuck in a rut can be scary and depressing, but I totally believe you can write yourself out of it. GOOD LUCK!!
EEK I love this!! I am so excited and terrified for NaNo because I have SO MUCH going on in November but I WILL MAKE THIS WORK haha..ha…ha.
I’m really excited to take Scottish lore and twist it into even darker, weirder concepts for the plot of my story hehe.
I pretty much write without abandon in my first draft haha they can be pretty embarrassing to read XD
November can be one of those seriously intense months right?!😂 YOU GOT THIS THOUGH. I MEAN WHO NEEDS SLEEP OR SANITY. *laughs nervously into the void*
Duuuude Scottish lore. 😍 Pls go write it straight away nooooow.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS POST! It really speaks to my soul – I’m a complete perfectionist and I get ahead of myself sometimes trying to make everything the best the moment it comes out of me. I loved these tips! Thanks again Cait!!!
I’m so so pleased you liked it, Ashley!! <3 BEST OF LUCK FOR NANO I BELIEVE IN YOU.
Okay, can I just say I’m an awful person and I’m REALLY HAPPY you mentioned number 4? Even though I’ve been challenging myself to write all year long, come this time of year I’m always beating myself up at the fact that I’m still a slow writer. 50k in a month? You know, I’m happy with half of that, and I try to remind myself it’s NOT a race and that I’m pleased with what I’m creating (because it’s true!!), but sometimes…ugh, sometimes that jealousy man. And I don’t think bloggers or writers really talk about it that much because who wants to admit they’re a jealous shriveled up troll like me? Ugh.
Okay. Positive. NANOWRIMO IS TOMORROW. No wait. PANIC!!
I’m super glad you liked it!! I think it’s SO important to reminder ourselves that it really doesn’t freaking matter how we go about writing — as long as we get to the end and eventually edit and eventually are proud of it! It takes so much work haha.😂 And omg I’ll admit I get freaking jealous all the time, so I think we should all talk about it instead of pretending it’s not happening.😂 *gives you all the cake*
YOU GOT THIS, REBECCAH, GOOD LUCK FOR NANO!
Brilliant advice as always!
Aww, thanks, Skye!!
I am SO excited! But my most heinous trait is… wait for it… Writing a vague outline, sighing, crying and giving up. BUT WITH NaNo… Time to get that WIP up and running again.
Have a lovely day, Cait!
Mish
P.S: I’ve mentioned you in my latest blog post! Teehee! 🙂
YOU CAN DO THIS, MISH, I BELIEVE IN YOU. (And omg thank you! I’ll come read your blog now.😂)
I SHALL FIND A WAY. AND I TAG YOU TO CARRY ON MY HALLOWEEN TAG! 😀
Have a lovely day, Cait
Mish
All of this. Just … YES. ESPECIALLY THIS LINE: “I’m not the best writer there is, but I love telling stories so why shouldn’t I tell them??!” just …. YES. *hugs you for this post*
I’M REALLY GLAD YOU LIKED IT!! I think we writers torture ourselves a lot (especially we perfectionists😂) but honestly if we want to tell stories then who cares if we’re not “the best”?! (What does the best even MEAN anyway.)
Ha! I read your first line as “Hell to the Nanowrimo!” Bahahaha!
Also, great post. 🙂
That would actually have been a better opening. 😂😂
OKAYYY! I’m not entirely doing Nanowrimo. Im doin the young writers edition.( Cause apparently 14 is YOUNG!) And I have no idea what Im gonna have my storyline be. I think the premise is twin kids are orphaned and re-open there parents mobile library. But nobody knows that their parents are ya know DEAD. But when a cold case about a teacher get reopened( one their parents had been accused of committing 15 years ago when the twins are born), the kids now get accused of murdering this teachers son. They join forces with the kid who knows they did not do it and they figure out the mystery of the two murders. Sorry if this went long. I probably should not have told you the synopsis cause it is totally off track. And yes I do write VERY messy rough drafts. Super messy. Like hundreds of red squiggly lines messy.
Emmy
That’s still AWESOME that you’re joining in!! 14 is an awesome rage to start writing! (I started at 15 ahah.) And omg if you’re writing about a library then instant success right?! Libraries give life. (Don’t be sorry! I totally enjoyed hearing about it!) The important thing is to finish it and fix everything up later, right?!
Eeeeeeek! It starts now.
Thanks for all the tips. I need them. I know I did this last year, but I still don’t know how I can do that much. Especially when I procrastinate with planning.
And I thought you weren’t supposed to learn the dark arts at Hogwarts.
THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE WRITERS TO RISE!! (I actually love November because I think it belongs to the writers.😂😂)
shhhhhhhhhhh. We can learn whatever we want at Hogwarts. I’m sure it can’t go wrong.
I completely talk myself down. I write maybe a thousand words, and I’m really pleased with them, and then I come back to write more the next day, and I HATE what I’ve written, and/or realize I don’t have a plot, and then I never finish anything. It’s something of a problem.
I’m not doing NaNo this year, but I’m hoping to maybe do it next year, if I can come up with a half decent plot by then…
Agh Iris, I totally feel you and I’ve been there! I know it’s a pain, but honestly sometimes it’s a bit of a mental adjustment. Like you literally have to FORCE your brain to start thinking of it differently. It’s really hard!! I absolutely admit! And it took me years to convince myself I love what I write and it’s GOOD and I’ve got this. *sends you encouraging cake*
Love this, Cait! I am not doing NaNo this year. A big part of why, I must admit, is #8. I absolutely think it’s never going to go anywhere- at least definitely not right now? I know that is a bad attitude, I do. But also, I feel like if I did it this year, I’d just be writing to… compete? With my own self? I have some real problems with flat out NOT being able to fail, so there is no way I would *not* win, but it would be 50K of crap, which I’d end up never using, because I am just not in the right frame of mind. At all. I mean- you are obviously an awesome writer, does that seem legit, or should you like, power through?
Hey that’s okay though! Like if it’s not the writing part of your life, then you can wait for it. (But don’t like wait wait too long…if you really want to have that book written and chased after, you have to do the chasing.😂) And I fully am reading for my 1st draft this year to be utter crap.😂 BUT THEERE’S POWER IN EDITING.
Anyhow, I honestly think it depends on what you want? Like if you really really really WANT to be an author someday, I recommend powering through. Sometimes you have to write a heck of a lot of crap to start writing stuff you’re proud of. It’s a bit daunting though. Writing really is tough sometimes.😂
Me at the start of this post: Nope nope! Bloody NaNo again. Sounds so interesting but heck no, ain’t nobody got time for that.
Me at the end: Cait does! Cait has loads of time! *probably not but she finds it
And now, I’m actually going to participate. Wow 😂😂 *pats self on back*
Oh, and don’t get me started on meat cleavers. I have an acquaintance who practically worships them.. yes, knives. Yes, she is quite pyscho. Okay, I’m done.
😂😂 I’m so glad I changed your mind so you’re joining in haha!! I hope you’re having a good time with it?!
This was super inspiring to read first thing November 1! I’M READY!
I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT, DANA!
this was so positive and pure ahhhhh thank you for blessing the internet with this xx
I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT!
I’m sitting here trying to work out what’s wrong with me because I swear I’m the only one not freaking out. I mean, I am writing the same book I’ve been writing for ages so maybe I’m just too comfortable with it. Plus I already know where it’s going. I assume this is what people are planning, what to actually write, right?
I totally did one of those huge edits today. A chapter just wasn’t working for me so I’ve split it into three, added an execution and a Kingdom Celebration and it’s much better now.
Haha, just enjoy being SANE.😂 I always freak out before starting something new. Like holy heck this’ll be my 7th first draft this year and I swear i still have no idea how to write a book.😂 So YAY DON’T FREAK OUT!
I’m glad you added an execution. Nothing can go wrong with that kind of quality content.
I’m doing NaNoWriMo for the first and I’m like completely nervous, but after reading your tips I feel completely pumped!
I’M SO SO GLAD, JOANNA!!! I HOPE YOU’RE HAVING FUN WITH NANO!
Thank you! I actually really am, but I just missed a day and now I have to double up😬😂
I believe in you doing a double-up day!! GOOD LUCK!!
Thank you!!
honestly, I’m not even a writer and don’t really plan on writing anything right now but this was such a great blog post??? It feels like a pat on the back and you’re so nice and encouraging and helpful, wow!
TAMI!! AWW! MY DAY IS MADE!! Honestly I don’t even usually do super encouraging posts so I’m proud of myself for this.😂
This is very true, but unfortunately I put my brain in a lockbox for safekeeping, and then lost the key
P.S. just read the Raven Boys for the first time. Awesome
✍
*SCREAMING QUIETLY AND HAPPILY BECAUSE RAVEN BOYYYYYS*
yesss this is timely xp usually i’m pretty good at taking pride in my writing, but lately….eh, not so much. but it does make all the difference, jeez.
-also i should start taking notes bc i have not attempted blood sacrifices yet so maybe we’ll see what that does for my writing. only good things, i’m sure
It absolutely does! When I tell myself my work sucks…well it’s going to suck. 😂 We definitely need to be our own #1 cheer squad.
I get to make etymologist jokes in this story so obviously #goals. AND THANKS FOR THE DARK MAGIC, CAIT.
THAT SEEMS WONDERFUL. 🎉🎉🎉 HAVE FUN WITH THE DARK MAGIC. DON’T FORGET TO USE POT HOLDERS.
I’m doing NaNo this month and I made no preparations whatsoever, but its actually going surprisingly well! I’m totally following your advice of just keep writing and writing about absolutely nothing when I don’t know what to say but at least I’m getting words on the page… I can chop the trash out some other time!
That’s great, Lara!! And those words might turn into a really really crucial scene so jUST HAVE AT IT!
I’ve just recently started letting myself write messy first drafts because I got way sick of being sad because I couldn’t make everything perfect. The part I’m most excited about for my story is actually letting bad things happen to my characters and letting them make dumb choices! I never used to let them do that before because I was too scared for them hahaha.
I’m really glad you’re tackling the perfectionism!! Honestly it was making ME so sad when I was writing to not get it “perfect” the first time round. But being mess but finishing actually gave me a ton of new perspective and made that 2nd draft easier for sure!
GOOD LUCK TORTURING CHARACTERS. *flings confetti*
I’ve considered it a few times but really not a writer at heart. I’ll leave it up to the experts like your good self little smushter. My husband is getting his NoRoMiMo on this month (one day I’ll get the name right) and is really excited. This will be the second book he’s drafted (the first sits unedited) so will be using your tips to shout motivation at him.
SHE SAID BELIEVE IN YOUR DAMN SELF!
I’ll beat it into him <3
NoRoMiNo.😂😂 You’re the best, Kelly. The absolute best. I think it should be just changed every time we say it like Bendywine Cookiecrumble’s name. It works!
I was going to talk about what a funny and helpful post that was (I’m running out of room in my freezer so I definitely need a new strategy) but I forgot it all because WHO IS THAT GORGEOUS PIE PLEASE INTRODUCE US.
I CAN’T. I ATE THE PIE. IT’S GONE NOW AND THERE IS NO MORE. BUT ISN’T IT ATTRACTIVE????
Hi, Cait!
I just wanted to stop by and saying something. You really inspired me this NaNoWriMo. I did NaNo when I was young and was able to get through both times (I did Camp twice and completed those two with 50k as a word goal and then 30k the next year). But ever since around 2013, I just couldn’t finish writing anything and I gave up.
For some weird reason, this year I planned on participating in NaNo. I looked through my ideas, found one I liked, waited until November 1st, and was gonna pants my way through it. But then I came to your blog on that November 1, saw this post, and thought, “Hold up. I can so do more than 1,667 a day. What am I thinking?” You know, since I planned on just doing the bare minimum to scrape by with 50,000 words by the end of the month. Well, after reading this and realizing I could write more than the bare minimum, here I sit on day 3 with 15,000 words.
Now, I know you far surpass that in one day, but it’s all about personal accomplishments, right? I wrote 9,000 words today, and I haven’t written that much in one day in a lONGGGGGG time. I’ve regained confidence in my writing. I know my first drafts suck, but I can make them better later on! I write so much freer than I did before. I took another piece of your advice. If I wanted to make a change, I would just write like that change was always there. It had helped me so much. I wrote 3,500 words in a little over an hour, but is a feat in itself for me.
I guess my point is that it looks I will end up finishing NaNo before the halfway mark, and I wanted to thank you for writing inspiring posts on here about your writing. You have inspired me to reopen my manuscripts from four years ago, read them again with wiser (lol) eyes, and edit them.
SO THANK YOU.
And have a nice day!
Tori
AWW TORI!! THIS IS SO LOVELY TO HEAR!! I feel mostly like a piece of bread, so the fact I can be a little inspiring too is very much a bucket of happiness for me.😂 I’m so proud of your 15K by day 3!! You’re really pushing yourself and that’s amazing (how are you doing now!? Good I hope!) And like just filling yourself and your writing with confidence is SO good and needed.
Anyway, I’m going to go sit here and just BEAM HAPPILY. I’m so so proud of you!!
I’ve vowed to be less of a perfectionist this time around! I also vowed to plot everything beforehand and that didn’t go great, but hey, I’m a Gryffindor, #adventure and such. I’m actually going for 50k this month, but I’m being distracted by writing job applications, so fingers crossed. It’s kind of you to give everyone a headstart. I mean, it should be soon enough if you start on November 30th?? Why torture everyone at the beginning of the month, it’s much more motivating if you do it at the end. 😀 I’m kidding, glad you’re joining and good luck, I’m sure you’ll write something great!
Hey that’s cool if you don’t plot haha! We have to figure out our processes and go with it, right?! I mean, my process basically involves cake…*coughs awkwardly* And actual writing. I do a little of that too.
AND SO KIND OF ME WITH THE HEADSTART. But it’s over now. Tomorrow I write.😂
You are hilarious!
I’m glad you liked it!😂
I AM FREAKED FOR NANO. AND IT HAS ALREADY STARTED. PROBABLY NOT A GOOD SIGN???!
I will try and stop editing when I am word warring with my friends. IT’S NOT A GOOD HABIT.
Helpful post, Cait! Especially the part about the killing off characters.
I HOPE YOU HAVE FUN WITH NANO! (Or are having fun? 😂 Since I’m so late to be replying to comments.)
First things first: I love your bookshelf!
Second: Wow, you made NaNoWriMo in 2 days, congrats!
Third and last but not the least: 8 – “OH THIS HOBBY WILL NEVER GO ANYWHERE” is so important that jesus! Help me spread the word about it! Everyone who thinks like that well… they are just getting stuck in a hole that they created for themselves.
Keep writing Cait!
Ahh thanks, Sara! I love my bookshelf too haha. And thanks about NaNo! IT WAS EXHAUSTING BUT FUN. And pretty extra sure we should all stop self-sabotaging ourselves by diminishing our own work. We can do this writing thing!! We can succeed!!
Your book photos… Oh. My. Goodness…!
I know this is a random remark, and really not-at-all related to this post, but you have SUCH BEAUTIFUL BOOKS! I am sitting here feeling extremely happy, because of all the bookish beauty (and maybe a tiny bit jealous, but hey…)
Seriously, though, your book collection looks epic, and the way you use them for your pictures is lovely!
AND I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOUR BOOK DEAL YOU’RE AMAZING! I can’t wait to read it 😀
Aww, Bethany! THIS MAKES MY DAY THANK YOU SO MUCH!! <3
The No Going Back and Don’t Edit Now ideas are great. They will be my new mantras. I have been sharing chapters with my writing group and their helpful suggestions have had me paralyzed. Maybe I should keep my first draft secret? I am no way going to have this manuscript done by the end of Nov. and I had such high hopes. (sigh)
YAY I’m glad you have that mantra! I think there are definitely times for rewriting and editing, but not in first drafts.😂😂