All Creatives Benefit from NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Started years ago by Chris Baly, author of No Plot, No Problem, the month-long writing marathon has grown into an international happening. Created as a literary event for hard-core writing (though the two do seem a bit of an oxomoron), NaNoWriMo can be used by creatives of every ilk. So long as you use a bit of imagination, all creatives benefit from NaNoWriMo.

Tight Deadline

Most writers know about NaNoWriMo. Many have used November to generate 50,000 words every year since its inception. A tight deadline of 30 days to accomplish any creative goal can be both invigorating and miserable. My tips over the next couple of months are designed to help invigorate not only writers but all creatives while also exploring what dampens your enthusiasm to continue.

All Creatives Benefit from NaNoWriMo

For Writers

Use October to pre-plot your story with the 1st exercise in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

1) Brainstorm how all three major plot lines in your story will evolve from the beginning into the middle and all the way to the end of the story

2) Imagine how your protagonist’s traits change / transform over the course of your novel as a result of the dramatic action. Use that to create a transformation summary for the protagonist of your story

3) Jot your notes on a Plot Planner for a bird’s eye view of your story

Take this month to imagine and brainstorm. Strive for story ideas that keep the suspense and curiosity high with clearly defined goals, opposition and ticking clocks. Keep the ultimate character change or transformation in mind. Start there.

For All Other Creatives

Use October to:

1) Decide on a creative goal you believe you can accomplish in month — challenge yourself. For writers to write 50,000 takes disciple and commitment. Dig deep for what you’ve been putting off, perhap out of fear?

2) Create a Plot Planner

3) Write your goal at the end above the highest peak

4) Decide how many days you’ll commit to completing your goal. Divide the plot planner into four equal parts — each part being each of the four weeks of November. Plot out across the Plot Planner above the line the steps you believe you need to take to accomplish your goal.