We’re in July, everyone! The weather is hot and sticky, and mosquitoes are busy making a meal out of us. But that’s not entirely what has authors in a buzz around this time of year. It’s Camp NaNoWriMo, and writers everywhere are hitting the grindstone to finish their next set of amazing works.
So, what is Camp NaNoWriMo?
Put simply, it’s the younger sister of the all-too-well-known National Novel Writing Month that happens every November. Unlike NaNo, though, Camp NaNo isn’t as stringent and offers time for authors to break the rules and work on projects like editing or shorter works.
That doesn’t mean authors take it easy! There’s still the ever-present grind to meet the goals they set for themselves. Like NaNo, Camp NaNo comes with its own pressures, and staying motivated can still be a challenge.
Let’s explore ways to overcome the challenge to quit and keep that fire going!
Step One: Make Sure Goals Are Clear
A crucial part of taking on any writing project is to follow your SMART goals. These are clear, specific, and achievable goals that feel comfortable and aren’t overwhelming.
Authors often ask themselves: Am I aiming to write a certain number of words every day? Complete a chapter or two? Edit a current project or finish one?
Whatever your goals, make sure they’re specific! Avoid vague phrases like “I want to write a lot” and get specific, like “I’m going to write 20,000 words this month.” Once you’ve set your goals, be sure to break those down into smaller goals. NaNoWriMo’s website makes this super easy because it gives authors a profile that allows them to enter their word counts. They include graphs and charts that show authors where they need to be compared to where they are in their projects.
Step Two: Create a Writing Schedule & Stick to It
When deciding when to write, look at the time of day you are most productive. For some authors, the morning hours are the best. Others love midday or those late-night hours when the day’s business has settled. Whatever your “power hour,” be sure to set a dedicated time to write.
Communicate with family and friends to let them know your chosen time. If you’re married, work alongside your partner to make sure kids and pets are taken care of before you sit to write to avoid conflicts and the dreadful pull from your muse!
Most importantly, make sure to show up! As much as we’d like them to, those manuscripts aren’t going to write themselves. Make your writing time sacred. Grab your favorite drink, a writing snack, and if you like, use the Pomodoro Timer method to set dedicated writing time, short breaks, and long breaks.
Step Three: Find a Writing Buddy
Authors everywhere will tell you: writing can be a lonely profession. Focusing on meeting daily writing goals can be daunting and sometimes it’s easy to push these off each day until you’re overwhelmed and quit.
That’s where your writing buddy comes in! This person works alongside you, serves as your cheerleader, and performs regular check-ins to ensure you’re staying on track. The best part is you’re doing the same for them. It’s a win-win!
Writing buddies can turn into critique partners, and many authors form long-term relationships with them. They become a vital part of your network and can lead to connections with other authors in your genre.
Step Four: Ways to Avoid Writer’s Block
Hitting the grindstone is exhausting. Let’s just put that out there. Getting stuck is an inevitable but necessary evil during Camp NaNoWriMo or its sister event, NaNoWriMo.
When you hit the terrifying block wall, take a break! There’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, an author just needs a moment to step back. During these times, try a technique known as freewriting. Set a timer and just write. Write like the wind about anything. It can be a scene, dialogue, side story, etc. Anything to get your writing brain going again. You don’t have to keep these; they make great extra content to build superfans.
Choosing another place to work can also help get those creative juices flowing. Many authors have a dedicated “office” they go to during their writing time. Sometimes, though, being in the same environment can stifle creativity. If you find this happening, shake things up! Try a new working space. Go to a cafe. Head to the library. Whatever space inspires you most, set time aside to be there and write.
Step Five: Set Up a Reward System
Human beings love to see results. We love to see the fruits of our labor on a live basis. We don’t like to wait for rewards. This is why many authors set up reward systems while walking through Camp NaNoWriMo.
That being the case, why not set up a reward system? What really lights you up when you treat yourself to it? Is it a special coffee? Movie night with friends or family? Date night with your significant other? Do you like to collect stickers? Want a reason to buy that new book?
Whatever you consider a treat, use it to reward yourself!
Tip: Use a milestone system. For example, “At 10,000 words, I can treat myself to that special coffee.” “When I finish this manuscript, I’m going buy that new book/play a few extra hours of my favorite video game/etc.” Remember what we said about seeing results in real time? This is where it happens!
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