As we enter the month of November (good grief, already 10 days gone), I know most of you are thinking about what to serve for Thanksgiving dinner or what to buy for Aunt Mary on Black Monday. Right? Me, I’m thinking about writing novels.
That gives the writers out there to get moving and start writing. Why November you might ask. The best reason is that the winter is just beginning. We are hunkering down and preparing for the cold (the days are shorter–more nighttime). All that spells less time outside and more time at the computer. It’s a great chance to jump-start your creative project. Here are some ways for you to meet the November novel writing challenge.
Publish your Word Count
That makes you and your writing accountable to everyone. It also stimulates those of us who haven’t completed our word count to get busy.
Set a Writing Time Each Day
Don’t rely on simply saying, I’ll write a couple of hours a day. As a coach, I help my clients identify times for writing. So, I might ask them, when are you going to write? Then, how long? Once you have that set, put it on your calendar. Nope, you cannot set meetings or go to lunch with friends during that time. Consider it an appointment.
Stock the Fridge
I don’t mean stock it with your favorite chocolate delight. I mean put quick snacks in the fridge. If you’re like me, as you write, you get up, stretch and wander into the kitchen. Be sure once you get in there, you find a banana or some grapes or a healthy protein bar. Time your visits to the kitchen. Make sure you are not there more than a typical 15 minute work break!
Build in Walks
Walking is a great way to clear out the cobwebs.. Even though the weather is getting colder in November, the afternoons are still wonderful for walking. If you happen to have a trusty dog, he will appreciate the opportunity to go with you. Enjoy the beautiful, crisp fall air and the color. Be sure to leave your iPod at home. The walk is for thinking, creating…
Reward Yourself
Don’t forget to tweet your accomplishment, but you also want to treat yourself. So think of it as a tweet and treat. You might reward yourself with a few minutes to stretch out and read your current favorite novel. Or you could take your kid to the movies or out for a romp in the yard.
Find some Writing Buddies
Pump each other up. If you’re having a bad day, contact your buddy. If something great happens in your writing, let your buddy know. These buddies will be your support network throughout the writing process.
Plan Your Writing for after November
November will come to an end. After that, you want to keep the momentum, but you also want to take a break. Be careful to plan your time. Take a break from writing for one week. Then, go back to it, perhaps not every day, but 2-3 times a week. If you put your writing aside for too long, you know what happens, don’t you? What tips do you have for meeting the November National Novel Writing challenge? BTW, there is a National November Novel Writing organization. You can link with them to find buddies to keep yourself motivated. Check it out. Meantime, my new novel, The Clock Strikes Midnight, will be released in November. How perfect is that? Join us for the special Facebook Launch Party on 11/25 from 3-5. (So long as you are not writing your own novel). 
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