My Camp NaNoWriMo 2018 Plans

I don’t know how it’s almost April. But it is. And that means many writers start thinking about Camp NaNoWriMo. I’m no exception.

I don’t have everything worked out, but I do know that as of right now, I’m going to handwrite a memoir. How exciting, huh?

I’ve never felt like I had any right to write one. I welcome the challenge though. Bring it on.

Why handwrite? Because I love handwriting more than typing. It’s also easier to write in a notebook when I’m on the bus than to whip out a laptop.

Also, my eyes don’t like staring at screens for long periods of time.

I’m not planning to outline because when do I ever? Never.

I don’t outline articles, essays, or novels. Funny story that isn’t that funny because I’m not hilarious: the one novel I semi-outlined is still unfinished.

I don’t keep track of how many words I write every day. I’m lazy.

I’m not aiming to write 50,000 words in April or 1,667 words a day. I just want to write something. Hopefully, I’ll have some words to work with once it’s all said and done.

That’s all I have. Regardless of what you’re writing or how much you manage to write, I hope you have a great Camp NaNoWriMo. It’s hard work. But it’s fun if you have the right attitude, which I’m sure you do..

Even though I love writing, I don’t want to abandon this blog in April. Finding a balance won’t be easy. What is?

As always, happy writing. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. Write whatever you please.

How To Prepare For Camp NaNoWriMo

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Clean your space.

In a perfect world, everything would be in its place. But we live in an imperfect world, so before April rolls around, try to tidy your desk.

Make necessary purchases.

It doesn’t hurt to make a shopping trip beforehand. Get what you need in advance, so that you aren’t making too many trips during the month ahead.

Build good habits.

And break bad ones. Stop procrastinating.

Find a routine.

Or adjust your current one accordingly. No one said it would be easy.

Prep some meals.

This is adulting at its finest. Or just basic survival.

Get ahead.

In whatever you can. If you’re a blogger, write blog posts now and schedule them for the future.

Prewrite.

It’s not easy going from writing 166 words a day to 1667 words. Trust me on this.

Schedule writing days.

If you know you’re going to be exceptionally busy one weekend because your friend is getting married, it wouldn’t be a good idea to make your novel the biggest priority those days. But if you’re planning to chill on Friday night, maybe you’ll reach your word count and then some.

Have fun.

Allow yourself to go out and enjoy your last few days of freedom.

Happy planning!

Getting Back On Track

I feel behind in everything. But I’m trying to catch up. At the very least, I want to get back on track.

I challenged myself to write a lot last month during NaNoWriMo. But during that time, I let blogging fall to the wayside.

I’m reminded that more often than not, starting is the toughest part. But once I start, I tend to get into the work flow. Then before I know it, half an hour has gone by and I’ve made more progress than I expected to.

I don’t know how I survived National Novel Writing Month. Better yet, I’m feeling better with each passing day.

I’m making progress slowly but surely, which is something to be proud of.

I have a ton of work I want to submit out into the world. I’ve been working on a bunch of different projects, which I hope to share with everyone soon.

I don’t like feeling rushed, so I’m working hard to prevent that by not procrastinating as much.

I’m not sure how to describe my work in progress. A friend of mine asked the other day. I could only muster up that it’s based on real life. The story might be one of the most personal projects I’ve ever attempted to undertake.

Despite some of the setbacks I’ve faced, I think I’m on page to accomplish what I want this month.

If I get back on track, you’ll know about it. If I don’t and my life is still a mess, you’ll know as well.

A Late NaNoWriMo Confession

I have a confession to make. I didn’t write as much as I would’ve liked one day during NaNoWriMo.

To be fair a headache came on and I tried to push through. But I felt horrible. I gave in before I could fill up all the pages I aimed to complete. Because I am who I am, I tried to make up for it. I wanted to compensate.

Then again, I didn’t want to push myself too far to the point where my brain and body broke down on me even more.

A health scare, minor or major, is a reminder that I only have one head and one heart. I have one life. As much as I strive to get a ton of work done every day, there will always be more work than living days.

I’m aware NaNoWriMo is supposed to be a challenge. But I know my limits. And I refuse to risk my well being or ignore warning signs. I hope you don’t either.

I’m all for pushing yourself. But don’t push yourself to the point of pain.

Obviously, I love writing for many reasons. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I plan to write as long as possible. Less productive days aren’t the end of the world.

Despite everything that happened in November, I had fun.

To be honest, I didn’t leave the house much in past NaNos. But life’s too short to stay at home all the time. Besides, I need to live a little if I’m going to have anything worth writing about.

In recent years, my focus in November has shifted away from reaching 50,000 words to writing but also living throughout the month.

Writing is difficult enough as is. But if you aren’t feeling fine, putting words on the page turns into a great feat. Look after yourself, always. Don’t you dare feel guilty for putting your needs first.

My Plans For November And NaNoWriMo

I’ve been thinking more and more about what I’m going to do in November, specifically during National Novel Writing Month, short for NaNoWriMo.

For obvious reasons, NaNo is one of my favourite times of the year. But November 2017 promises to be a busy month.

As for what I’m going to work on, I want to write a novel. Or at least write a story of some sort. I wrote both prose and poetry in October. During November I plan to stick to the former.

Honestly, it’s been a while since I started a novel and stuck with it. So I hope I can change that this month.

I have some ideas I hope to explore further.

Fortunately, I have the second week off from school. Unfortunately, I’ve gotten into a good routine of writing on the commute. In fact, writing at home with so many distractions has presented a greater challenge.

Regardless, all I ask of myself is that I do my best.

Life happens. The unexpected occurs. But I’ll manage as best as I can.

That being said, I’ve enjoyed writing in the morning during my commutes sometimes more than late at night. So maybe it’s time I make some changes to my routine.

Earlier in the day my mind is clearer than it is at night. Then again, at night, I’m tired so I’m not as critical.

I don’t want to mess with my writing schedule too much. Still, I’m adjusting accordingly to whatever the world throws at me on any given day.

Changing is tough though. But the pay off tends to be worth the work.

There’s still plenty of time for me to figure things out. And I have a feeling I will.

Of course, I’m curious to know your plans or lack thereof for November, especially if you’re partaking in NaNoWriMo.

Where Did NaNoWriMo Go?

I don’t know.

How is it possible that NaNoWriMo is almost over? 

It felt like it just started yesterday.

As busy as this month has been, I’m not ready for the darkness of December to descend upon me. I’m not ready for NaNo withdrawal, which is very real in my world.

I need something to use as an excuse.

Why do your blog posts suck?

Because it’s National Novel Writing Month.

Why are your grades so bad? 

Because I’m writing a novel.

I won’t have a legitimate excuse in December. Not like I had one in November. But at least as of late I could try to justify not doing something or not doing it well. 

I hope you don’t take this post too seriously. I’ve already started to suffer just thinking about saying goodbye to NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo Eve

It’s NaNoWriMo Eve, the day before National Novel Writing Month officially begins. I’m aware that by the time you read this, it’s probably November already. Time zones are tricky. More like I’ve gotten into a terrible habit of writing my blog posts late in the day and publishing them even later at night. In any case, happy NaNo.

I’m also well aware that when I’m publishing this post, it’s still October 31st. So if you do happen to read this then, happy Halloween. Cherish the last day of October. Where did it go? 

October has been a challenging month. Even though November has its own challenges, I still love the month regardless of how busy it gets. We gain an hour, remember soldiers, and give thanks (if you live in the US). I’m not American, but any day is a good one to be grateful if you ask me.

I don’t know how I’ll manage the next 30 days. Actually, I do. One day at a time. There are a few birthdays to celebrate with my family, a handful of major assignments due for school, and several goals I’d like to achieve in my personal life.

Also, I’m sending out a search for my sanity in advance. If you find her, please return the poor girl to me.

Happy NaNoWriMo and November to you. It’s the second to last month of 2016 after all. How? I don’t know. I just know you should make the most out of it.

I’ll see you all on the other side. 

Halfway, Midway Check-In

So we’re in the middle of November, the middle of NaNoWriMo.

You might even be at the midway point of your story or halfway to your word count.

I just want to check in with you beautiful bloggers and wonderful writers.

How are you doing? How are you feeling?

Also remember that you are an awesome human being. You’re capable of reminding yourself of your awesomeness if you ever forget. Not that you will forget because you are and always will be awesome.