Wellness on the Write Track:
Thriving Through NaNoWriMo
Navigating the NaNoWriMo marathon of creativity is an extreme sport for writers. Prioritizing your well-being can be challenging but is entirely possible. In this blog, I offer tips to help writers maintain momentum through well-being.
“It’s just 30 days.”
“Just 1667 words a day.”
“No worries. I’ve got this.”
We tell ourselves these things or some variation of them every year we participate. And you can believe it if you maintain the momentum you start with. But how do you maintain the momentum? What can interrupt the momentum?
Start with setting yourself up for success in Preptober. During the strategizing add into your writing a routine of these motivational methods:
- Set Realistic Goals: NaNoWriMo’s goal is to write 50,000 words in a month, but it’s essential to remember that quality matters as much as quantity. Set a daily word count target that is achievable for you without causing undue stress. It’s okay to aim for a lower word count if it means maintaining your mental and physical health.
- Establish a Sustainable Writing Routine: Create a writing schedule that works for you. This might involve writing at specific times of the day or in shorter, focused sessions. Prioritize self-care by ensuring you get enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation.
- Plan Ahead: Outline your novel or have a general idea of where your story is going before NaNoWriMo starts. Planning can reduce writer’s block and the stress associated with not knowing what to write next. Even Pantsers can set a general idea. Perhaps take a look at Celestes Barclays Panster PLOT line that she built as an example in PLOTTR software.
If you are interested in trying out PLOTTR, check out my affiliate link to get a 30-day trial or purchase. I get a small commission, but you get a product that is amazing. I began using it on day one, it’s so simple and direct to start using. And that I wrote a blog about it on my JLNichauthor.com website and have touted its praises.
- Use Writing Prompts: On days when you feel stuck, consider using writing prompts to spark creativity and keep your writing flowing. Websites and books dedicated to writing prompts can be helpful.
- Take Breaks: Remember to take regular breaks during your writing sessions. The Pomodoro technique, which involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, can help you maintain productivity without burnout.
- Stay Connected with the NaNoWriMo Community: NaNoWriMo offers a supportive community of writers. Engage with fellow participants, attend virtual write-ins or local meetups (if available), and share your progress. Being part of a supportive community can boost your motivation and reduce feelings of isolation. Sign up for your region or feel free to sign up on my region to catch all my good posts and announcements. I’m one of the two Municipal Liaison for California Central Region @jlnickymaster
- Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait until you’ve reached 50,000 words to celebrate your achievements. Acknowledge and reward yourself for hitting smaller milestones along the way. Treat yourself to something enjoyable as a way to stay motivated. I give myself a dark chocolate almond kiss for every 1000 wc.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Remember that it’s okay to have off days or to fall behind your word count goal. Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. NaNoWriMo is a challenge, but it’s meant to be a positive and creative experience, not a source of stress. Think of this novel with YOUR favorite analogy (i.e., growing a garden, bowling a 300, learning a language). There is a starting point, a learning curve, and tons of practice (or writing in this process) that can get your goal reached. You can do it.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining energy and focus. Avoid excessive caffeine or junk food consumption, as they can lead to energy crashes. I say this but I drink tea and coffee and find this sharpens my thoughts. Just don’t keep drinking coffee to stay awake.
- Assess Your Progress: Periodically evaluate your progress and well-being. If you find that NaNoWriMo is causing excessive stress or negatively impacting your mental health, it’s okay to adjust your goals or even take a break. Your well-being should always come first. I want to emphasize this one is important. Very important. Work this into your plan. For example, every Friday assess where you are and what worked and what didn’t work. Then follow up with adjustments or additional schedule changes or twice as many breaks. Whatever you need to get your well-being aligned with your motivation and production.
Assess Your Progress
In the whirlwind of NaNoWriMo, where well-being and motivation are at the forefront of a writer’s journey, it’s vital to acknowledge two formidable foes that often lurk in the shadows: self-doubt and perfectionism. As you embark on this creative adventure, remember that your inner critic can be relentless, but it’s not the final authority on your work. Embrace imperfection as a stepping stone to progress, and let it empower your creativity rather than hinder it. The beauty of this month-long writing challenge lies not just in the word count you achieve but in the personal growth you experience. So, when self-doubt and perfectionism come knocking, greet them as old acquaintances, but don’t let them dictate the course of your journey. Keep writing, keep nurturing your well-being, and keep the motivation burning brightly, for within the imperfections and doubts, you’ll find the raw materials that transform your words into a masterpiece uniquely your own.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out my other blogs for NaNoWriMo posted on my website JLNichauthor.com under the Blog Beats tab and Writers Craft area. Don’t forget to sign up with my social media to get notified of future blogs. The next few are definitely NaNoWriMo-related.
I also want to give a quick shout-out to my affiliate marketing. My new favorite writing aid PLOTTR is amazing and saved me months of frustration trying to track my character arcs. Check out my affiliate links below, all about upgrading your writer’s toolbox arsenal and I might get a small commission. Thanks.
Check out my Youtube channel for PLOTTR videos @jlnichauthorsff
Joseph Michael’s Learn Scrivener Fast e-course
