Gearing Up for NaNoWriMo

 It's almost November and that means NaNoWriMo is almost here! After stalking the website for years, listening to the rumors of its awesomeness, I'm finally joining in the fun!

 

Usually, I don't write 1,667 words a day, or 50,000 words in a month, but I'm up for the challenge. Bring on the crappy first draft! Here's what I'm doing to prepare:

• I signed up!

  Not difficult at all. I just went to their website and did the normal do of username and password. Picked a photo of myself, entered the title of my book, its genre, and added a little ditty about me. And done! If you're doing NaNoWriMo, I'm "DiDiBo" if you want to be my writing buddy! :) We can cheer each other on!

• I'm stocking up on goodies. 

  October is a great month to buy candy. When writing, I find I need stimulants. A little bowl of M&Ms is perfect! Caffeine also helps, though, my go-to is water. Comfy things like a nice pair of slippers or the softest-pj's-ever put me in the zone.

• The beginning, middle, end.

  A book from my "list" screamed, "Pick me! Pick me!" Most of the characters have names and I know where they live, and what they're going to do. The bad guys have surfaced, and I figured out an ending. Now, to flush out some great scenes! Here's a super helpful blog post by Kristen Lamb about planning for NaNo.

• Interviewing my characters. 

   I want to know their mommy issues! One of my favorite personality tests is Meyers-Briggs. Once I get a handle on their personalities, I'll be able to write them consistently throughout.

• Told my husband he might have to do more laundry than usual.

  Hehehe. No, really. Preparing my people is a good thing. I'm telling my family, friends, and CPs that I'm "going NaNo" on them. I still plan on living everyday life instead of eating and breathing my keyboard because there's got to be balance. Besides writing there will be birthday parties, Thanksgiving, and Christmas shopping in November! But, it's nice if the people in my life understand I have a goal so they can be supportive.

• Carving out time to sit my butt in my chair and write.

  The writing schedule I have is pretty nice. Baby girl's nap time gives me two hours during the day, and I can steal another two at night after the kids go down. Hopefully, that 's enough for 1,667 words a day!

Right now, I'm pretty much starry-eyed. I have total belief that I WILL complete 50,000 words, and early! I'll let you know by the end of November!

So what are you planning to do in November? Want to join me for NaNoWriMo? Have you participated before? What was your experience like? We want to know!