Day 12: 31 Magic Days of NaNoWriMo

Day 12: Finding Your Tribe

One of the parts about NaNoWriMo that is so brilliant is the community aspect. How often when you’ve tackled a really hard goal can you say that 300,000 people from all over the world are doing it right along with you?

Tapping into the community aspect of Nano is one of the ways to increase your chances of winning.

Here are some specific steps that you can take:

If you haven’t already, sign up at NaNoWriMo.org. One of the first steps to take is to announce your novel and that functionality is now available. You can also find out what your region is up to.

Nano Regions

Your region might offer readiness workshops throughout the month of October. In November, write-ins are a great way to get your writing done in community. Write-ins are often held at local libraries or eateries. Writers come together to say ‘hi’ and then get busy writing. Some write-ins add a little bit of fun by hosting Word Wars where the object is to write the most in a specified amount of time. Also, be on the lookout for online events sponsored by your region.

Writing Buddies

Nano has the ability to connect with writing buddies. To do this you need to know your friend’s Nano writing handle (username). So, get in the habit of exchanging handles whenever you attend Nano events.  To connect with a writing buddy, enter their handle into search and then chose “Add as Buddy”.

Facebook Groups

Your regional group might have a Facebook group. If you are looking for a group with vibrant discussion, here’s one that is small but mighty.

Forums

Nano hosts a number of active discussion forums. Here is a sampling:

Plot Doctoring provides assistance with plot holes.

Character Café tackles all things related to character.

Reference Desk: here you can pose questions to assist you in your research.

Reaching 50,000! This is the place for help with your productivity. Includes tips and tricks as well as wisdom.

Adoption Society is a great source for inspiration. Adopt abandoned ideas and concepts (even cover art) from other artists.

NaNo Artisans is a place to connect with those who produce art and tools to support you in your Nano quest.

Word Wars, Prompts & Sprints: a place to amp up your productivity.

There are also genre-based and age-based discussion threads.

Nano Events

Here’s a link to Nano’s online events calendar.

Writing is a solitary pursuit and it can be a lonely one. But it doesn’t have to be. Use the opportunity of Nano to tap into community and don’t go it alone.

If you’re not already on the “31 Magic Days of NaNoWriMo Prep” mailing list, sign up here.

Looking for more support? I coach writers on the Nano process and I’m currently offering a free planning session to help you get started. You can sign up here.

Here are links to all of the other articles in the series.

 

Be sure to also check out the 5 Epic Clues to NaNoWriMo Success webinar.