My Top 5 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of #NaNoWriMo!

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​Are you taking part in National Novel Writing Month?
 
I LOVE this month!
 
I always make time to write during #NaNoWriMo, and this year is no exception.
 
I'm working on a fiction project in my free time, but #NaNoWriMo is the perfect opportunity to work on any type of writing.
 
Falling behind on your blog or email content? Set aside some time this month to focus on building a backlog of posts or ideas that you can whip up and share with your audience.
 
How about that book for your business you've always wanted to write? Use #NaNoWriMo as the perfect excuse to get started.
 
Maybe you want to try your hand at fiction or poetry? There’s never been a better time to start than right now.
 
But, if you’ve never written anything before, or you’re feeling out of practice, the dread of getting started can start to feel a lot like writer’s block. 
 
If you want to #write this month, but you're not sure where to start, here are a few tips to get you going:

• Don't overthink it. A first draft isn't meant to be perfect, and it doesn't matter if what you write doesn't make the final cut. Getting ideas out of your head and onto paper is all that matters.

• Suffering from writer's block? Take a walk, people watch, listen to music, free write. Soak up all that you can from life and use it as inspiration for your writing. (For more inspiration, check out this fantastic podcast from the Alliance of Independent Authors on filling the creative well and ensuring a constant flow of creative ideas!)

• Have fun. Writing doesn’t need to be hard work, and it doesn’t need to have a purpose. Give yourself the freedom to be creative and write just for fun.

• Start small. Try journaling, freewriting, prompts or word sprints to get you started and to get the words flowing.

• It’s not about winning. Remember, it’s not the word count that matters, it’s the time you dedicate to creating something new. 

 
Bonus tip: Feeling intimidating by a blank page/screen? Try dictating. Use your phone or computer to record your thoughts and ideas, then transcribe them onto the page.
 
 Now tell me, what's your #NaNoWriMo project this year?