Nanowrimo Prep. Part 1 of 5

Tip 1: Choosing a story.  Nanowrimo prep. part 1 of 5

Who loves the idea of a challenge? I know I do. I like the idea of working hard to obtain a goal. For many writers one of the funnest and best challenges we attempt is the yearly challenge called, Nanowrimo, aka, national write a novel in the month of November. Thats right. We give ourselves the challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. That breaks down to1667 words a day. I know many writers who do that anyway and many writers who don't. To write 1667 words consistently for 30 days without a break is a challenge. But a fun one. One that I will yet attempt again this year. This will be year 4 for me. To find out more check out the nanorimo website here. 
One of the hardest things is to know where to start. Here is a hint: YOU START RIGHT NOW!!
Start in October to have a successful nanowrimo. And there are three things I think you should do right now to make your November Challenge successful. The first one is try and write a little everyday right now, especially if you are not in the habit. Even 250 words will do, but try to slowly increase it. It doesn't matter what you are writing just that you are getting some words down daily. 
Number 2 is to re-read one of your favorite books in your favorite genre and ask yourself:
1. Why do you love it?
2. What genre is it?
3. Could you write that genre?
4. What are your favorite parts? (ex: all the action, suspense, romance, beauty, emotions...)
5. What drew you in and held you tight?
6. What techniques did this writer use that you could also use? (for example: shorter sentences when the action was intense.)
7. Who were your favorite characters and why did you love them?
8. Who did you hate and why was that?
9. Did any parts bore you, why was that?
10. What would you have done differently?
These questions will help you with tip number 3 choosing your own story. Think about the answers to your questions to help you create a story of your very own. Don't plagiarize! Just think of elements you liked that you could incorporate or twist into your own work.
Number 3 Choose your story, ASAP!
I know easier said than done for some of us. I am still debating between three. I had better choose and get my head in the game soon. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you choose your story. Think of the story idea you are considering and put them through these questions if you have a lot of I don't know answers either you need to do more brain storming on your story idea or it isn't the idea for this particular challenge. If you can answer them then you are on a good track.
1. Does your story idea make you excited?
2. Will your story idea require a lot of research. If yes try to get as much of that done now.
3. Is your story idea in a genre that you know very well. You should be reading the genre you want to write.
4. Does your story idea have a captivating problem that won't be easily solved requiring the length of a short novel?
5. Do you know what your main character wants and have some ideas of how they will have to fight to get what they want? And some ideas of what will stop them from easily obtaining it? If not start brainstorming some what ifs?
6. Does your story idea have a villain? If so do you know what they want? Why they want it and what they are willing to do to get it?
7. Do you know anything about the world your story takes place in? Or the job your Main character has?
8. Can you think of a beginning part, a middle part and an end part? You might not know this yet but it is something to think about for sure.
9. Do you know if you have a theme that you would like woven into your story?
10. Do you have a few fun scenes in mind that you can't wait to write?
11. Do you feel like your story will take you at least 50,000 words to complete?
12. After all of these questions does your story idea still excite you? If so, it is probably a winner!

​I want to wish you luck on choosing your story. It is all up to you, no one will know what story is right except you. No one will spend as much time with your story except you. Don't go into this and wing it. I know from experience. Make sure you are ready. If you like to pants write don't worry about having every detail figured out just make sure you have the big things figured out so you can make the most of your writing time.

BONUS TIP: Also finish all your TV shows you are wrapped up in so that they are not a huge roadblock to your November goals, come November 1st.
I hope you liked this post and I hope you will check out the other 4. One coming every week this month before we start Nanowrimo.
So who is doing it with me? I'd love for you to comment below and tell me if you are in or out.
Thanks readers and happy writing!
Cassie M. Shiels