Participants are heading into the second week of NaNoWriMo
(National Novel Writing Month) with novels
This is the part where the novel gets into the meat of the
story and more twists and turns create conflict for our heroes and heroines to
overcome. It even though we’re going full steam yet the story feels like it’s
slowing and maybe even heading for a stall… Don’t worry it’s not going to slow
down or stall out. You’re just starting to feel that first ping of, “What was I
thinking signing up to write 50,000 words in only 30 days!” Or maybe, “My word
count is so far behind I’ll never catch up!”
Don’t despair, you will survive, your novel will survive and
you will make it to the finish line! Here are a few tips to help you do just
that.
Getting wordy
Feel like your word count isn’t where it should be? Not a
problem, start describing your scenes with all five of your senses, even if you
edit part of it out later. You’ll be surprised how much your senses pick up in
a room when you really think about it.
Kill someone off, seriously bump off a character or a new
murder victim. Death is wordy. There is the death itself, discovery of the
body, examination /investigation, informing loved ones, the funeral…. You can
get a few pages out of a good killing.
Bag the lag
Feel like your just getting bogged down by your novel? Too
many words too much deadline? You’re starting to feel that noveling lag. You’ve
been going at it hot and heavy for a week now. It’s okay to shake it up and
shake off that lag. (Anyone hear Taylor Swift singing there?)
Change your view and you’ll be surprised how even changing
rooms can make you feel a bit refreshed. Getting out of the house and heading
to the coffee shop or library is even better! My personal favorite is a local
museum you’re surrounded by history and art. Talk about a fount of inspiration
right at your finger tips!
Even changing your method for a few pages can help pick up
pen and paper and go analog for a while.
Reward yourself
This is a big thing in NaNoWorld. Everyone jokes about their
novel rewards. Seriously though, it really is important. Set goals daily, a
word count, or page number. But not large goals make them small enough to do in
a day or three max. Now, when you reach that goal give yourself a reward. Get
your favorite latte, download a song you like, a hand full of candy kisses or
maybe even a trip to the movies. Earning that reward no matter how small or large
it is can give your self-conscious a boost and prove you can survive this.
I’m with ya Wrimos! Writing away and getting wordy with all
these survival tips. My reward for reaching tonight’s word count goal is
watching one of my favorite Russell Crowe movies Cinderella Man, with a cup of
dark chocolate cocoa. What’s your goals and rewards?
Elise
Media Director
JLB Creaitves Publishing
Discover great books and more at JLBCreatives.com We are
open for submissions if you have a novel looking for a new home find the guidelines
for submission at the link above.
