How to Absolutely Guarantee Your NaNoWriMo Survival

Writing a book in a month won't be too hard, they said.

You'll be fine, they said.

But you're freaking out, aren't you? You're not prepared (or as prepared as you'd like to be).

Besides the basic tools we use for NaNoWriMo - laptop, ideas, swift fingers and a writing program equipped with a word count - there are other things we can utilize to ease our writing journey. So I came up with a list of items and put them into my post. This is my NaNoWriMo Survival Kit. :)

1. A Clean Work Space

A clean work space is a must for me, especially during NaNoWriMo. I have those days where I don't want to be writing, so when there's something nearby - like a stray piece of paper or even a pencil - I will allow it to distract me from my task. Cleaning up your writing space not only removes these distractions, but gives you more room to work as well.

2. Water

Having a water bottle next to me as I write helps me not only to stay hydrated, but also stay focused on my task. I know as soon as I step away from my laptop to get a drink, I won't come back for at least an hour, so with water nearby, my focus stays on my work.

3. Snacks

Snacks are perfect for writing, especially if you want to complete mini-goals. Just tell yourself, "as soon as I hit 3,000 words, I'm going to pop open that can of Pringles". It will not only motivate you, but keep your tummy happy as well. ;) (I recommend taking a small break while snacking. Get up and move around, let your eyes and brain rest for a few moments. You want to stay focused on your task, but don't ever hesitate in rewarding yourself with a power regeneration break.)

4. iTunes / Music

iTunes is great for those times when I feel a lack of inspiration. I just put my earbuds in, press play, and begin typing. I would advice taking precaution when doing this, because if you're like me, you may get sucked into a song you really like and start jamming instead of writing. :P

5. Outline

My outline is my lifesaver right now, so I definitely recommend creating one. It's helped me stay focused on what the goals of my writing are. Of course, it's very rough and loose, so I can add or delete any details at anytime as I write; because thinking about what to write and actually going to write it usually turns out to be two very different things - at least for me.

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These are just some suggestions based on what works best for me, but I hope they help you as well. :)

What's in your NaNoWriMo Survival Kit?

xx Nicole Rose

The Best Experience in the History of Experiences

Last week, on September 13th, 2013, two amazing things happened. Niall Horan--of One Direction--turned 20! *sends glittery kisses into the wind* I didn't forget you, baby! I promise! I met up with the most amazing person that has ever come into existence . ^^^ *sniffles* Here is a photo of our good-bye hug. Kenz added the glitter. ;) My family and I had to drive about three and half hours, to get to our meeting place--which was a beautiful Barnes and Noble full of amazingly exquisite books [it was quite heavenly]. The whole trip there I was bubbling with excitement. Rocking in my seat, tugging at my hair, belting out the lyrics to any songs I knew when they blasted out of the speakers. I had a little brother to my left, a window to my right and a present in my lap--and a stuffed Pikachu at my feet. o.O Finally , we arrived at our destination. I cannot describe to you the feeling of walking up to that bookstore, and having a someone whom you haven't p...

silver linings

a post inspired by this lovely photo. [ photo via pinterest ] sitting swinging singing head bowed arms hanging voice low thinking blinking shrinking gears turning eyes wide shoulders slumped where did it all go? * * * She doesn't want to look up, only for her eyes to find the dark and terrible surroundings she calls her world. She doesn't want to go back, to the dwelling where words were spoken and exchanged but never taken back. She doesn't want to sit there forever. But that seems like the best option right now. While she swings, she listens and thinks, sings and sinks, the only company she has is the rag doll under her fingertips. It looks worn--just like her. And torn--again, like her. And used--just. like. her. Yet loved--a foreign feeling that has been wasted. She lifts her head to look up at the dark sky, wishing the clouds would split apart and act merciless upon her. Instead, they seem as if to slowly zip open, lightl...

"it's complete"

[ photo via pinterest ] writing. exhaling words onto paper inhaling the smell of ink scribbling furiously shoulders tensing the pencil stops dead in its tracks words are hard writing ceases days pass by no words are exhaled no ink is inhaled the author is taking a break dreams occur inspiration is sparked writing begins again and it doesn't stop "it's complete" two words that mean so much sentences build paragraphs that build chapters that build a book that build a lesson, a story my lesson to you is || don't ever give up thanks for reading. <3 xoxo, Rose pinterest instagram bloglovin

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