What is the Best Form for Your Story? (NaNo Prep 10)

This is an optional step, so early in the game when everything is still subject to change. BUT if you know from this early what you want to do, it will be able to inform your entire process and lend a continuity that could streamline continuity.

Pick a Problem (NaNo Prep 8)

You need a problem. Stories are made of problems. These can be internal, external, personified, impersonal. The point is to pick one and make it HUGE.

Setting (NaNo Prep 7)

Description is hard. Remember that all description is an opinion about the world. Find a place to stand. — Anne Enright

Meet Your Main Characters (NaNo Prep 6)

So the basic guidelines in creating characters should be: Give them flaws, allow them to doubt themselves about something, see to it that they grow and change, and make certain you are putting them in conflict. — Elizabeth George

Capture Your Information (NaNo Prep 5)

I am a firm believer in the idea that we never really forget anything, but we do need the correct hook to bring it back. Writing it down means we never have to hunt for the right hook.

Ways of Writing (NaNo Prep 4)

I knew that the moment I started worrying about whether or not I was good enough for the job, I wouldn’t be able to do it. — Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet

Create Your Like-Lists (NaNo Prep 3)

Take a break and make a list. Two lists, ultimately, so knowing yourself, decide if you’ll do this better sequentially (one after the other) or at the same time.

Why NaNo? (NaNo Prep 2)

With writing, everything you do is part of the process. You can always remind yourself that “Now isn’t forever.” It is a fabulous step away from crippling perfectionism without surrendering that important part of you that desires excellence.

What is NaNo? (NaNo Prep 1)

The way to write a book is to actually write a book. A pen is useful, typing is also good. Keep putting words on the page. — Anne Enright