Time Management Tips for NaNoWriMo
Last night, my writing group got on the topic of NaNoWriMo. A couple of members wanted to give it a try.
While I don't commit to every year, I have found it way to bang out a quick draft of something big. The pressure of writing 50,000 words in one month can override the perfectionist voice in my head that tends to nitpick while I work on a draft.
But in a month where Thanksgiving generally means traveling or hosting friends or relatives, the intense writing schedule doesn't always feel doable for those of us who balance work, life, writing, family, and friends.
Here's how I've blocked out the distractions (even the lovable ones) to make it to 50K.
Plan in advance: While you can't start writing your book before 11/1, you can plot. Make an outline, detailed beat sheet, sketch, mood board. Interview your characters to learn more about them. The more you plan out the plot or get to know the characters, the more time you'll spend in flow writing. Every time you sit down to write, you'll pull from your outline to write the next chapter or scene.
Delegate and batch what you can in advance: Ask for help! If you have friends or roommates, see what you can delegate for the month. Maybe they do most of the cooking or take over pet care. If it's just you, consider what you can let slide for the month so you can center your writing.
Be rigorous about taking things off your calendar. For this month, your writing is the number one commitment. Anything you can drop for the moment, drop.
I swear by batch cooking, or making huge batches of stir fries, soups, roasted veggies, and the like. When the fridge is full of healthy meals, I'm able to relax into the writing knowing that whenever I get hungry, there's something good for me to eat that won't require too much hands-on time.
Realistically assess your schedule and commit to regular writing sessions: You don't have to get up at 5 am and pound the keyboard for two hours to win NaNo. If you're not a morning person, chances are you'll give up after a few days.
Rather than overcommit to something you know will never work, identify the most realistic pockets of time that work for your body. Factor in any days when you know you won't be writing, so you can stay on track.
If it helps you plan, consider than most writers need 60-90 minutes a day to stay on track with the word count, which is 1,667 words if you write 7 days a week or 2,381 words if you write 5 days a week. If it motivates you to do so, set a goal for every writing session like finishing a scene or chapter.
There are all sorts of way to chunk up the writing time that reflect your schedule and your writing pace. Some writers can write for an hour or two and feel energized, rather than drained. Others need shorter sports with breaks in between. Neither approach is right or wrong.
I am not a morning person, but I feel the most accomplished when I get in at least an hour of writing before lunch. In a best-case scenario, I would do all my creative writing before lunch and have the afternoons free for client work. As long as I don't have morning interviewed lined up, I will write in the mornings in between breakfast and walking my dog. If I don't have time for a long writing session, I'll write after lunch.
Because I know this, I can protect that time on my schedule...well, most of the time. I also don't have to think about when I'm going to write. I know it's the same pocket of time, no matter what. It sounds silly but taking that mental load off my plate reduces my stress.
Even though it may seem like more things for you busy day, make sure to leave time for breaks, walks, exercise, meditation, or however you recharge. Taking "time out" for these activities actually helps your creative brain refresh.
It's your NaNo. How you manage your writing sessions is up to you, but do yourself a favor and think about it now. If you go into it with a solid outline, beat sheet or plan and have thoughts about how to make the most of the time your schedule allows, you'll set yourself up for success.
I'm not sure whether I'll commit this year –I have a few project ideas I want to work on, but I'm finishing up revisions at present. If you plan to do it, drop me an email with your favorite socials and I'll cheer you on!