8 Things to Keep You Going During NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo is going strong! How’s the challenge coming for you? Are you completing your goals or falling behind a bit? If the former, good job! Keep up the good work! If the latter, don’t lose hope! There is still time to catch up and slam dunk the home win.

But maybe what you really need right now is a pick me up to help you through this new week… I know I could sure use a healthy dose of that…

So, while I was procrastinating writing my next chapter, I came up with this list that can help us both in the days ahead. Are you ready? Read on!

Take a walk

I know, I know. The last thing you want to do right now is spend time away from your writing. You have to get your word count in, right? But perhaps a little time away from your writing is exactly what you need right now. Let’s face it, we aren’t writing machines and we all have to take breaks. Even during Nano. Go outside, get some fresh air, and forget about your writing for a few minutes. Then come back in and face it again with a more relaxed mind.

Grab your favorite beverage

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate… whatever this might be, take a minute and make yourself a cup of it! I know for me, sometimes all I need to get myself focused again on the project I’m working on is a nice cup of tea. Again, this is taking you away from your writing if only for a few minutes. Sometimes that’s all it takes for some renewed energy.

Read a book

Wow. Are all of my suggestions going to take you away from writing? Yeah, probably. XD Maybe I should have just written a post about the importance of taking a break… somehow I feel you wouldn’t have listened as well… Even with it being Nano, I still have a beautiful stack of books on my desk just waiting to be devoured. Because even during Nano–especially during Nano!–I have to keep my creative well full and one of my favorite ways of doing this is by reading a book. Create a reward system where you will allow yourself to read a chapter in your favorite book after writing a certain amount of words. I’ve tried it before and it’s very motivating to get more written! (Especially if the book I’m reading is hard to put down)

Spend time with family

Hear me loud and clear here: do not neglect your family during Nano. The temptation is evident to lock yourself away in your bedroom, hide from the world and life in general, and pound out as many words as is humanly possible. But don’t forget the people who care about you (they still want to make sure you’re alive). Take an afternoon or evening and watch a movie or play a game with friends or family. This will also help you by filling your creative well for the next time you sit down to write.

Listen to music

One of the best ways I can relax and get inspired again is by listening to music. Especially if you’ve created a playlist for your novel or just have a playlist that is motivational to you, this will be a great way for you to take a break while stepping back into the motivation of your novel all over again. Close your eyes, let the music sink in, and enjoy a few minutes to relax.

Read blog posts

Or maybe what you need right now for a pick me up is some writing encouragement. Flip through some of your favorite blog posts and get inspired! Or perhaps you prefer YouTube videos. Watch some videos on writing and remind yourself why you love writing so much! This is a great way for me to refill my creative well.

Journal

While this is more writing, it’s a different kind that might break the monotony for you. Write about what you wrote today, write about a funny event, write about life! You can literally write about anything and everything! Take a step back from your fictional writing and journal about your day. Maybe you’ll feel inspired again afterwards. This could be any form of journaling. Maybe you prefer bullet journaling! That is also a great way to get away from your WIP.

Browse Pinterest

This is the one and only time I give you permission to procrastinate on Pinterest. If you create boards for all of your WIP’s like I do, then this might be the pick me up you’re needing to get you inspired today. It will also be a sort of a break for you and put your mind in a different head space. I always find myself motivated after looking through my WIP’s Pinterest board.

Your turn!

What do you do when you take a break from writing? How do you refill your creative well? How is Nano going for you so far?

Blessings, Allyson

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