The unconventional approach I'm taking with Nanowrimo this year

How I completed National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) the last time I took part, and why I won’t be aiming for the 50,000-word count this time around.

I remember how excited I was when I first came across NaNoWriMo, aka National Novel Writing Month, what must have been around a decade ago now. It was at a time when I didn't know any other writers who had the aspiration of writing a book.

With work and life's other responsibilities, on top of the daunting task of actually writing a book, in the first year I took part I was excited to tap into the collective “we're in this together” energy that Nano brings.

If you're not familiar, NaNo is a free initative happening from 1st-30th November every year, where the idea is to write a 50,000 word manuscript in those thirty days.

Each year, thousands of writers across the world take part, and I'll be taking part myself this year for the first time since 2018. That year, at the 4th attempt of trying, I 'completed' NaNo for the first time by reaching that 50k milestone.

But this year, though I'll be taking part in NaNo, I won't be aiming for 50,000 words.

In this video, I look back on my NaNoWriMo journey to date, and share the alternative approach I'll be taking – and one that might help you, especially if (like me) you find yourself starting strong and motivated at the start of November, but then begin to struggle in the second week and beyond.

Instead, I have a different suggestion which might feel better for you and help your writing practice.

🎥 NaNoWriMo 2021: the (unconventional) approach I’m taking this year

And also, yesterday was quite the celebratory moment for me... I got to see the completed version of my book on my Kindle for the first time :)

To celebrate its release – and the month of NaNo – I'll be running a special launch promotion for the duration of November.

I can't wait to share The Indie Author with you next week – and the fifty writer stories it contains.

by,

Jas

PS. As of January 2024, The Indie Writer is now 👥 INF Club. Join us there!