A Week to NaNoWriMo: Checklist

• ✓ Check your typing speed so you can estimate how fast you can get your word count done.
• ✓ Schedule in your writing time. Do you need to get up half an hour earlier to write? Do you need to schedule a “meeting” with yourself for a bit of peace & quiet?
• ✓ Sort out your word count tracking system. You probably won’t write 1667 words every day, especially if you’re in the US and have Thanksgiving to contend with. You could use a spreadsheet (here or here) or an online app. Scrivener has a nice, simple goal target metre which I really like. You might also like to look at the reward system as an alternative to writing 1667 words a day.
• ✓ Set up your backup system. I recommend Dropbox.
• ✓ Decide on your writing software (or hardware). I listed some of my favourite NaNoWriMo Mac apps in this thread.
• ✓ Decide how you’re going to record ideas on the go. A pocket notebook? Your iPhone? You can’t afford to lose ideas during NaNo, so make sure you always carry a recording device with you, even if you’re just running out to buy a pint of milk.
• ✓ Beautify your writing space. How about putting up some pictures that inspire you, or even just clearing all the clutter off your desk? If you can’t write at home, look up your local library’s opening hours, or scout out a quiet café.
• ✓ Find, borrow, or steal a mascot, such as a cuddly toy that can sit on your desk and give you silent support; or an item of clothing that is imbued with the magical property of making you a fearless writing genius when you put it on.
• ✓ Download some new music and make a playlist of songs for the following occasions:
  • songs that get you in the mood to write;
  • music that suits the era/genre you’re writing in;
  • songs for your climactic scenes (soundtracks work best);
  • songs that evoke a setting or character.
• ✓ You may also want to download some music to drown out noise. I recommend gomix.it. Alternatively, invest in some earplugs.
• ✓ Plan treats for meeting your daily and weekly word count targets. Perhaps a piece of your favourite cake, or a book you’ve been wanting, or a brand new packet of pencils. Also plan a big treat for reaching 50,000!
• ✓ I also suggest signing up for a 750words account so that you can journal to document this mad writing adventure, clear your mind, or just warm-up for your novel-writing. If you manage 750 words every day in November, there’s even a special NaNoWriMo badge!
• ✓ Tell everyone you know that you’re writing 50,000 words in November. Proclaim it on Facebook and Twitter. They shouldn’t take it personally if you ignore them, and they should keep you accountable.
• ✓ Gain the certainty that you’re going to do this NO MATTER WHAT.
• ✓ Panic. It’s only natural! ;)

Have I forgotten anything?

Image: La Liseuse by Jean Raoux.