Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
In a couple of weeks, Nation Novel Writing Month starts. This is when writers of all kinds commit to cranking out 50,000 words before the end of November. So, what are my plans for NaNoWriMo in 2022?
This will be the second year that I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo. And although I wasn’t too involved from the social media aspect, I did get my latest book started. If all goes well, I’ll finally be done writing it before the end of the week.
Let’s see how long it’ll take me to write the next book.
How to Get the Most Out of NaNoWriMo 2022?
A lot of people spend October preparing to tear into November with gusto. This year, my plan is pretty easy and requires very little preparation. Mostly because I have been planning this next story for quite some time.
Actually, it’s one that has been on the back burner since 2016. It’s my goal to finally finish it before the end of this year.
1. Set Up an Account at NaNoWriMo.org
First, if you haven’t already, create a free account at NaNoWriMo.org. It comes with a lot of fun features, such as reporting your progress and interacting with other writers on the platform.
I’ve been using my profile as a way to keep track of my serious writing throughout the entire year. Since it lets me keep track of writing goals and deadlines, it helps with motivation to keep hammering away at the keyboard.
Not to mention it’s a profile that you can easily share across social media, in email signatures, and anywhere else you wish to market yourself as an author.
2. Have a Plan for What to Write
To get the most out of NaNoWriMo, it’s best if you spend October planning your story. Now, this can be done in a number of ways, and it really depends on what style of writing you prefer.
For NaNoWriMo 2022, I am working on VII, the story I have saved on Wattpad that was supposed to be a horror book published by Halloween in 2016. Well, things kind of went south that year, and I’ve had a hard time finishing the book.
Nowadays, I find it a bit cringeworthy as I have come a long way since then. When I read through previous chapters, I find myself rolling my eyes quite a bit. So, I plan on rewriting the entire book in November.
Even though most of the outline is available, there are a lot of parts I’m going to change. In one part, I’m completely rewriting it from scratch.
3. Decide on a Writing App
There are a lot of different writing apps out there you can use for NaNoWriMo. While a lot of people like word processors such as Microsoft Word, many will use specific publishing apps like Scrivener.
There’s no right or wrong app when it comes to writing. It all depends on personal preference and what you find to be effective for your needs.
Currently, I’m using the Reedsy book writing app for Kingmaker. However, I am going to spend the next few days looking for a new writing app for VII. Mostly because I am building a list of apps for a blog post and I need to try something new.
Eventually, I plan on having a decent list of writing apps and software that are tailored specifically for authors.
4. Setting Up Daily Blocks of Time
I use Asana to keep track of my day. And because I am usually quite busy, I need to make sure I set up adequate blocks of time for working on my NaNoWriMo project in 2022.
In my case, I can write around 1100 words per hour. For this year, I’ll have to set aside 90 to 120 minutes per day to ensure I have adequate time to write my book.
Though, I might have to make adjustments to my day depending on how the story unfolds.
These blocks of time are moments when I shut my door and try to ignore the many distractions I have in my house. Though, if I write earlier in the mornings, I’m usually the only one awake. That means I should be able to get a great deal of writing in before anyone needs me for anything.
5. Adjusting for Thanksgiving Vacation
I fell short of my NaNoWriMo goals last year as I spent several days with family during Thanksgiving. Since I have been avoiding work while on these small “vacations,” I doubt I’ll be able to write much for NaNoWriMo 2022.
To compensate, I’ll set goals accordingly. This means I’ll aim for much more than the 1,667 words needed per day. In fact, it’ll be closer to 2,000 words per day in order to meet the 50,000-word goal.
Coincidentally, that’s about how long VII will be when it’s finished.
6. Write the Story
Once all that is set up, all I have to do is write the story. I’m hoping that having an outline from the original text will be of benefit, but I still plan on rewriting the entire book.
As I said before, I’ve come a long way since I started VII back in 2016. And to be perfectly honest, I’m incredibly psyched to finish it for NaNoWriMo 2022.
The trick is to make sure that I stick to my schedule and avoid random distractions.
Finally Finishing VII on Wattpad
After six years, I’ll finally be able to mark VII as “complete” in Wattpad. I’m even planning a new cover for the book. Well, it’ll be similar to what I have now but much better.
I’m one of those people who tend to start projects and then get sidetracked, never to touch them again. Part of what I want to accomplish this year, though, is to finish some of those projects that have been indefinitely sat aside.
The hard part nowadays is the fact that I am quite busy during the day. Assigning a two-hour chunk of time for VII means I’ll have to sacrifice a few things in November. Well, unless I make super short YouTube videos.
The best part is that I won’t feel as apprehensive to tell people to read the story I have on Wattpad. Right now, I warn everyone that it’s a bit north of cringy.
What Are Your Plans for NaNoWriMo 2022?
Whether you’re writing a full-length book or a series of short stories, NaNoWriMo can be quite inspirational. This is especially true if you follow participating authors on Twitter or other social sites.
I’m even debating on making YouTube shorts of my progress throughout the week.
For me, it’s a fun platform that has great potential to keep me focused to publish future novels. And that’s what really matters. Whatever works to get you hammering out your stories is what’s best for you.
Do you plan on joining NaNoWriMo in 2022? If so, feel free to contact me on the platform. I’m always looking for more people to join us.
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