NaNoWriMo Preparations

Just under a week until the start of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and, being a planner as opposed to someone who can just write with little or no plan (a pantser), I have just about completed my planning process. So what preparations have I made to assist in completing the heady task of writing those 50,000 words during November? Here goes :

• I have my novel planned out chapter-by-chapter. This enables me to just focus on writing the first draft without too much scratching of the head trying to decide what to write next. I am sure, however, there will be some flex in the plan as I progress with the story. I am using Scrivener to organise my writing which is a software definitely worth investing in for anyone serious about writing.
•  I have registered on the NaNoWriMo website and introduced myself on one of the regional forums. This puts added pressure on me to actually make a decent effort in adhering to the word count. As does this blog, of course!
• There are some days during the month I will not be able to do any writing due to diary commitments I already have. So, in terms of a daily word count target, I have had to factor this into my plans to arrive at my daily target.
• When will I write? On those days I will be writing I plan to make a start early morning as I usually wake up early. This should get me off to a good start. The evenings are where I should be most productive.
• Where will I write? Away from any distractions ie definitely no television! I don’t like listening to music, as some people do, when writing. I find this a distraction as I usually end up listening to the music!
• Other considerations? I do most of my writing either on my laptop or iPad. I need to be disciplined and close down my email program and Facebook page. Too distracting!

Hopefully the above should stand me in good stead. Roll on November!