How to Do NaNoWriMo Even When You Can't

It's November, and you know what that means. Hundreds of thousands of writers are stealing whatever time they can this month, pounding the keys to get an average of 1,667 words a day. The dedicated will reach 50,000 words by the end of the month and win National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo.

Participating in NaNo has many benefits. You get motivation to finish (or make good headway) on your novel and the chance to meet like-minded people. If you like writing in a group, there are lots of local meetups in libraries, coffeeshops, and other locations.

Sounds great, right? But what if the idea of committing to write 1,667 words every day for a month makes you want to laugh hysterically? Whether it's because of a slower writing speed, a job that takes up too much time, or family commitments, many people can't figure out how to make it happen.

But that doesn't mean you can't benefit from all that NaNo has to offer. Why not set your own goals? Maybe 1,667 words per day isn't realistic, but what about 800, or 500? You'll still be able to cheer on your fellow writers online and in person. Better yet, you'll still be making writing a daily habit.

I'll be shooting for 500 words per day on my new project throughout the month of November. I'm using the excellent (and free!) project tracker at http://writetrack.davidsgale.com/ to make sure I stay on target.

If you want to do a modified NaNo but don't think you can stick to a daily word count, what about putting in a certain amount of time each day? The Pomodoro Technique discussed in this NaNo post on the Project Mayhem blog might work for you, just like the author of the post.

Will you be NaNo-ing this year?

My mini NaNoWriMo challenge (aka the kick in the pants I need)

A story has been circling around my brain for the last few months. My future MC's voice keeps elbowing me in my side, begging me to bring her to life. I have a mental outline. I have love interests, a villain, two red herrings and an opening chapter, but all of it is living inside of my head. Because for some reason I can't find the motivation to get off my @$$ and write.

Has this ever happened to you?

It wasn't that long ago that I started writing my current MS. I sat down. I started writing. I revised. Wrote some more. My memory makes me think it was an easy, natural process. So why is it that I can't find the motivation to start this new story that so clearly wants me to write it?

I think what I need is a good sharp kick in the pants. Which is why I am making my own NaNoWriMo pledge, right here, right now.

I hereby declare that by November 30, 2012, I, Stacy Stokes, will write 25,000 words or more of my as yet untitled story. No take backs. No excuses. You are my witness!

For those of you who are not familiar, November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Thousands of writers will challenge themselves with writing 50,000 words in a single month, and many of those 50,000 word first drafts will go on to become full fledged novels.  It's a lofty goal, and I applaud every single person who has taken the challenge or plans to take the challenge this November. Unfortunately my day job coupled with Thanksgiving travels makes 50,000 words a bit too lofty of a goal for me, which is why I'm setting my sights on 25,000. It's enough to get me started, and who knows? Maybe I'll come closer to 50,000 words than I thought. The goal is for me to get off my pajamaed @$$ and write!

For those of you interested in going for the gold, check out nanowrimo.org. There you can connect with other writers who have pledged to take the challenge, find the support and encouragement you need, along with other helpful writing support tools.

For those of you who aren't quite ready for the 50,000 word goal but are in desperate need for a kick in the @$$, post a comment here. I'm happy to be a writing buddy/cheerleader for anyone looking for a little extra support. And once you say it out loud it will be official - maybe that's all the motivation you need?

Hopefully you will all keep me honest.  25,000 words by November 30th. There's no taking it back now. Feel free to heckle me at will. (@stacyastokes)

Happy writing!