This post is a bit of a brain dump for me, collating all the NaNo prep advice I’ve bookmarked.

1. Decide how much time daily I will spend on the NaNo forums! Yikes! I’ve already been wasting too much time on the forums and they’re not even really active yet. I’ve put out feelers for buddies–but no one has responded. Is it too early? Or was I too brash? Do I want to start my own group?
2. PLOT. Pants or plan? Definitely plan. So, a basic outline. Snowflake? Save the cat? Story grid?
3. Research. What do I need to research for my story? Add visuals to pinterest
4. CHARACTER Character bible.
5. Tools. Bluetooth keyboard for my laptop. Keyboard tray for the old desk. Dedicated notebook. Good pen. Soundtrack? Noise cancelling headphones.
6. The rest of my life: Schedule writing time. Plan menus and use pickup for grocery shopping. Make ahead meals. Clean house in October so that November only needs a touch up.
7. CALENDAR Schedule writing. Plan word counts. Plan days off. Thanksgiving for sure. Chapter goals or plot point goals? What can I give up to free up writing time?
8. Don’t edit
9. SETTING Sketch out setting for novel. Planet. Spaceship. Cave.
10. THEME What is the theme of the story?
11. Physical prep. Get signed up on NaNoWriMo.org. Set up a folder on computer. Have pen/notebook on desk. Lamp. Headphones charged. Maybe get out of house and write other places, library? Inspirational quotes? Calendar on wall?
12. Write what’s exciting to me!
13. Pick POV and tense.
14. Word tracking system. I’m using this one from Justin McLachlan
15. Keep working out! Go for walks. Rest and recharge.
16. Figure out my why.
17. Make a commitment to enjoy the journey and to see it through
18. Create a ritual to signal that writing is now happening.
19. I will feel I’ve won NaNoWriMo if…