It's-a me again!

So I was asked about the little word counter I have in my blog, and how to get ahold of it. So I'm going to tell you how to get your own, and give some other tips for keeping on track during the NaNo extravaganza!

1. The Word Counter

Having a word counter in a place outside of the NaNo website can be a great reminder of what you've done so far and what you still need to do. If you want one like the one I have, start on the NaNo homepage. click Inspiration--> Word count helpers, then click the Word Count widgets link. After that, simply pick the counter you desire and copy the HTML information into the Blog block of your choice. The counters range from a simple bar to a complex calendar that tracks your words per day.

2. Have a "Writing Time"

Set aside an hour or two every day that can be exclusively devoted to writing your NaNo novel. It may be early in the morning or late at night, or even in the afternoon between classes. Find a time that works the best for you. Also find a place where you can sit quietly and not be disturbed by people, maybe the library or your living room. If you're bound to your desk, close your door. Grab a cup of your favorite drink (or at least a glass of water) and start writing. You can have some soft music in the background, or maybe even a youtube video (If you do this, choose videos that are mostly centered around talking and not around action. Action-packed videos will simply draw attention away from your work.) Turn your phone on mute.

3. Research!

I know this seems a little strange, but research can be really important for your book, especially if it takes place on planet earth. It doesn't have to be extensive-just a little fact-checking to make sure that, yes, Tillamook, Oregon is near Portland, not near the California border. Have a folder or place where you can store pictures for reference. You might find out some information that could benefit you greatly, or at least keep you from looking like an idiot.

4. Collaboration and Accountability.

You may think "Oh, I can get through this no problem! 2,000 words a day? Easy!" Now, but a couple weeks down the road, you'll find yourself actively avoiding your desk and pencils. To beat this, find some friends that are also doing NaNo. Talk with them on a regular basis about their book. Maybe have graphs in a central place that shows how everyone is doing on their word-counts. Not only does this add a bit of competition between writers, it can also help you keep on track for finishing on time.

5. Patience and Writer's-block.

You may reach a point where you just can't think of where to take the story next. You've written yourself into a corner, and you don't know how to get out. At this point, take a break, walk away from the computer, and go do something else. Do your dishes that you're neglecting, go for a walk. Something mundane that can really get your creativity flowing. Just don't think about the book for a few hours. (I find a nice, long walk around town really helps me.) You could even do your homework! (And suddenly, you know how to get out of that corner...) Breaks are really important for long hauls like this. So is endurance. Don't work on it for several hours a day. Two or three hours will usually suffice.

6. Brainstorming and Finding the End.

I give this advice to all writers: When you write a story, know your ending. Where does the character end up at the end of the book? Are they better off? Or is it only the start of a grand series? Regardless, figure out the ending before you start the book. You don't take a road trip with no destination. Novels work the same way. Once you have your ending, Brainstorm! Start writing down everything you can think of about the story, the characters, the world... Everything from their friends to the books they read. It may not show up in the story, but it can help you establish the setting. Keep it on a notepad or in a binder that you can take anywhere with you. Keep a writing tool handy at all times. You never know when inspiration will strike! (My legal pad has 20 pages of notes on my story already.)

7. Have at it!

You can do all the planning and thinking you want, but you won't get anywhere unless you sit down and start writing. So go for it! Don't be afraid to say 'What if I fail?" You'll have a lot of fun, and even if you miss your goal, you won't regret it.