9 Kickass Tips On How To Win Camp NaNoWriMo

Camp NaNoWriMo is just around the corner, and it is time to start getting ready for it! In my previous blog post, I talked about having a Survival Kit for Camp NaNoWriMo, in this post, I share 9 Tips for winning Camp NaNoWriMo.


01 | Create a Writing Space 

An excellent way to get in the zone when writing is making sure that your environment is optimal for writing for an extended amount of time. A writing space can be anywhere that you feel comfortable writing. Just like many writers retreat to a cabin deep in the woods to seclude themselves from the rest of society, you can do the same. Though a cabin in the woods is pretty intense, so here are a few places that are good for writing.
  • At home alone or during a time when everyone else is asleep or away
  • At a library
  • At a park
  • At a coffee shop
  • On a college campus
The options are endless, you just need to find what works for you. I like to write in my front room on the couch with the TV on and music playing on my headphones. I work best with background noise. How do you work best, and how can you work that into your writing space?

02 | Create an Outline 

Outlines are a great tool have when you are writing, they keep you on track in terms of organizing your story. Outlines are a blueprint for your writing. 

Remember that an outline is tentative, meaning they can be altered at any point in time. With that said, don't think that you are forced to stick to your outline. There are many ways to create an outline, I use the 27 Chapter Outline, find one that works for you and your style of writing.

03 | Find a Writing Buddy 

Writing for Camp NaNoWriMo can become stressful at times, this is where having a writing buddy comes in. You can bounce ideas off of one another and encourage one another through the writing process. A writing buddy is essentially a mini support system in your writing journey.

04 | Focus on The End Goal 

Your end goal is your word count or finished novel. When you go into Camp, you should develop a game plan of how you are going to get there. It would also help to have a backup plan in the event you begin to fall behind.

05 | Keep a Writing Binder or Writing Notebook 

Writing Binders and Writing Notebooks are fantastic tools to have during your writing journey. Like the outline, it will keep you on track and organized. An added bonus is that you can store important information within them like clothing details, scars on different characters, and information regarding world building.

06 | Plan Your Writing Time 

Work writing into your schedule. Even if it is only for 20 minutes at a time. Work writing into your schedule, make it a priority. They say it takes 21 days to develop a habit, so keep at it, and before you know it, you won't have to make time for writing because it will already be apart of your daily routine.

07 | Set Daily Word Count Goals 

Setting a daily goal is great for staying on top of things. It is also great for motivation. When you type in your word count to the Camp NaNoWriMo goal tracker, and you see the bars go up, you will feel accomplished.

08 | Surround Yourself With Things That Inspire You 

A crucial part of writing for Camp is to be motivated. So, while you are writing, surround yourself with things that inspire you. On the walls in my room, I have pictures, quotes, and calendars to keep me in the writing spirit. Though I do my writing on the couch, when I take my breaks, I go into my room and soak in the inspiration, and that keeps me going.

09 | Talk to Text 

For those of you have a hard time getting your thoughts out while writing or typing talk to text can become a great tool. Microsoft Word and Google Docs have great talk to text features that will make your life easier.


Bonus

Writing Sprints

Writing sprints will keep you on your toes when writing. Essentially a writing sprint is when you write for an extended period, nonstop. It can be exhilarating when you are trying to break the clock. By doing writing sprints, you allow yourself to write freely. Writing sprints are also great for making up your word count when you fall behind.

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