How To Gear Up For NaNoWriMo

Dude, so I've done NaNo for a few years now. And, as an immersion writer, 50K in a few weeks doesn't bother me. I'd almost say it wasn't even a challenge... but some of you might start throwing Coke cans.

But it's true. Some friends and I decided at the end of September that we'd write two more books by the end of the year. For me, that meant a personal goal of one book in October, and one in November.

I am a bit behind on this lofty goal, but I've only written for something like 13 days (maybe 14) and have just under 40,000 words. My goal is still to finish one book by next Monday and turn around and start another on Tuesday, November 1.

Here's how I gear up for NaNo, which I realize probably doesn't apply to any of you, but you never know.

1. I sit on my story idea for a while. I don't allow myself to jump right in. I need words, after all.

Some of you might outline at this point, or take some notes or something. Since I'm opposed to those things, I just sit on my story idea, stewing about it.

2. I name stuff. This sounds very technical, I know, and it sort of sounds like note-taking too. You have to understand that usually when I write, if I don't know a character's name, I simply put AAA or XXX and move on. Sometimes I make up a placeholder name and use that, fully intending to change it later.

But for NaNo, I actually think this through first. I may or may not write it down, depending on when I think of it and where I am.

3. I think of titles. Lame, I know, but it helps me to name my book for the NaNo site, and to have something to reference in my nightly emails.

Which brings me to the most important part of NaNo (and for all writing for me)...

4. I gather the troops. Let's face it: I'm useless by myself. I can set all kinds of goals and whatever whatever, but if I don't have someone I have to report to...fail.

So I get a few people who are going to be writing (or NaNo-ing) too, and we commit to emailing each other each night with two things. 1. Word count for the day and 2. Last line written.

I like this. Scratch that. I LOVE THIS. It helps me make writing connections with my friends, and it reminds me that in this business of writing where it's so easy to feel isolated and alone, that I'm not that isolated or alone.

I have used the NaNo site for this in the past, but I like the intimacy of the emails more.

Then when November 1 hits, I 5. Write like crazy.

And that's the method to my madness. It's a little bit like the Tasmanian devil, but hey, it works for me.

What do you do to get ready to NaNo?