Thursday, November 2, 2023

Dear O'Abby's NaNo Tips (Part 2)

 Well, we're two days into NaNo so I thought I'd share a couple more handy tips that might help you through this punishing month.

1.  When you finish writing for the day, don't stop writing at the end of a scene or chapter.  Keep going a little longer and write the start of the next scene or chapter.  Even just one or two lines.  That makes starting the next time easier because you're already on the way.

2. If, like me, you figure out in day 3, 5, 9 that you've started in the wrong place or in the wrong POV or the wrong voice, don't use that as an excuse to toss in the towel.  Just keep writing, making the switch to the new POV/voice or whatever and make a note where you make the change so you can go back at the end and rewrite that first section to fit.

3.  Sometimes the story you set out to write doesn't end up firing once you sit down to start writing.  Maybe another idea leaps into your head and you get super excited about that one instead.  Go with it.  No one says you have to finish the story you started off writing.  You can work on multiple projects during NaNa, adding valuable words to each one.

I actually always find it useful to work on two stories at the same time.  If I get stuck on one, I can turn my attention to the other and that usually helps unstick me eventually.

Enjoy the intense period of creativity!

X O'Abby

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