I started NaNoWriMo today, November 1st, 2020
Things are a bit crazy this year, right?! So I was careful to fit that concept into this year’s project. Probably a little too careful. I wanted to make sure that I kept my stress level low and I prepared for hiccups (I hope the worst that happens is ‘hiccups’) that may occur during the course of November.
There are a lot of factors complicating this year
- Covid-19: No I’m not sick and haven’t contracted Covid, but there is a possibility it could occur. Between that, the flu, and any other ailments that may occur, I didn’t want to overextend myself because stress isn’t healthy.
- Politics: Wow, politics are more contentious this year than in any other previous year I can think of. It’s a bit stressful, especially with the fact that it permeates all news cycles and appears to split families and friends like no other election in the past.
- Work: I’m a freelancer and my day job has never been a source of stability! But this year in particular things or even stranger. This year has been filled with higher-highs and lower-lows which is difficult to schedule around. When work comes through the door I have no choice but to take it, yet currently, I don’t have a lot on my plate, so my goal is to take a deep breath and front-load as much writing as possible knowing my schedule may shift in a week.
- Work from home: Let’s just say that my once peaceful home office is now a lot less peaceful. On one hand, the distractions are fun and welcoming. On the other hand, my schedule is no longer something I can bet on. And without the ability to pack up my laptop and sit in a comfortable cafe for an extended period of time, I need to make sure I have a plan B (and C … and probably D) ready.
- Freak weather storms: Seriously, what’s up with the weather this year. I don’t even live in a hurricane zone yet my power’s been knocked out twice in the same week?!? Alright, I’ve got a jug of water, backup battery supply and I’m stocked up with paper and pens in case I need to — gasp — hand write my story this year.
So here’s what I decided to do in attempt to set myself up for success
- Write a sequel: I started rewriting my NaNoWriMo project from last year over the summer. My goal was to work on a first draft so I can start submitting it to readers. As November approached I realized that I already had these characters, their personalities, and their futures in my head. So I did something new this year, I started a sequel. The planning was easy because I already had ideas for books 2 and 3 in my head so the outline flowed better this year than in past years.
- Stick to my schedule: for the past year I have created a writing schedule and it stuck to it pretty consistently. I wake up early and write for at least an hour every morning. Based on prior NaNoWriMo stats that hour is worth approximately 1000 words. With some minor adjustments, I should be able to maintain my “regular” schedule while still working in the other necessary parts of my life.
- Escape plan: I also scouted out writing locations away from my home office, just in case. Though I am lucky in the respect that I have a dedicated office with a closable door, that still doesn’t solve all my distractions. Not only have I come up with alternative writing spots, I’ve categorized them by weather conditions, knowing which ones work on sunny days and which ones work during inclement weather.
And most of all, have fun! The key for me is to use this project as a way to have fun, connect with people, and work towards my writing goals without stressing out. Only time will tell, but I feel like I’m on the right track.