Nanowrimo Tip 2: Support

Nanowrimo Tip #2 Support

Hey so we are one more week closer to Nanowrimo. I hope you liked last weeks post. If you haven't read it yet scroll down and check it out. Its all about choosing your story. This weeks tip is all about support.
Nanowrimo is one of those things where you need support. You need to go into this feeling like you CAN DO IT!. You need someone or a group of people on your side, so that when you feel like maybe it is okay to forget writing for the day, they can encourage you to not get behind. Getting behind makes nanowrimo so much harder.  Do everything you can not to fall behind in word count. Tell yourself you can do this. It is a challenge but a doable challenge for sure! I know you can do it. Lets cheer each other on!
12 TIPS ON SUPPORT for your AWESOME Nanowrimo goals.
1. Tell your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, parents, sibling. Who ever means the most to you that you want to accomplish this goal. Let them know how it works, what you have to do and how much you need them to cheer you on.
2. If you have children tell them about your goals too. My kids are so supportive of my writing dreams if I explain to them my excitement and what I need to do. They are so supportive and they can help hold you accountable. 
3. Sign up on nanowrio.org and find buddies, find out about your writing area and what their goals are. Some have Facebook groups , write-in's, parties, etc. It is so helpful to have others writing with you.
4. Have an accountability partner. Someone who you can text and say, "Guess what I hit my word count today!" and they will be excited for you. Or who will text you if it is getting late in the day and ask if you have your word count yet. This works really well if you are both doing Nanowrimo together, but it isn't required.
5. Get a calendar or planner and write down the word counts for everyday. So it would say 1667 words on November 1st and 3334 on November 2nd etc... I have done the calendar a few times but this time I am trying it in my planner.
6. Get a paper and put it next to your computer to keep track of your word counts.
7. Join a sprinting group and take part in writing sprints.
8. Talk with those you live with about when you are hoping to write. In the morning, evening, during the day, at lunch... So that they know to leave you alone during that time so you can get your word count.
9. If you have children, set a timer. They will love seeing it count down and hopefully they will give you the time you need to get your words in for the day.
10. Write yourself some motivational things. Like for example on day five write your favorite motivational quote. On day 7 write: you can do it, on day nine write: Don't give up, on day fifteen write: Don't go back and edit... etc. Keep things as positive and motivating as possible
11. Come up with awesome rewards. For example: @ 10,000 words you get to eat a huge chocolate bar. @ 20,000 words you get to go on a fun date. @30,000 words you get to buy something you want from amazon. @ 40,000 words you get to go out to dinner. @ 50,000 words you get to have a fun little party. Come up with whatever works for you. We all love rewards and those can be super motivating and sportful of your goals.
12. Have someone who you can tell your woe's, worries or help I need to know what to write next. Having someone who you know you can turn too when it gets tough, is always helpful. Especially if they will listen to you and then cheer you on.
BONUS 13. Support yourself by doing as much leg work beforehand, stock your pantry with your favorite snacks, get your characters figured out, your outline, your world. Make it so you are dying to start writing on November 1st.
You all are amazing! Good luck on your prep work! Thanks for reading and Happy writing!
Cassie M. Shiels