Preparing for Nanowrimo: Tips to Maximize The Writing

NaNoWrimo (a month-long writing project aimed at getting participants to write 50,000 words) is starting in just 2 days and though I'm not participating this year, I know several writers who are.

Make no mistake, this is like an all out Write-a-thon! To meet such aggressive goals one really needs to write almost every day, so let's look at some ways to get those writing juices flowing 

Before you even get started try and clear your mind of all distractions. That means putting whatever issues or concerns out of your mind. The only thing you should be thinking about at this point is WRITING!

1. Find A Good Writing Spot: 

Some people like to get cosy with a laptop on the couch or on the bed. Others prefer the more rigid setting of being at a desk. I've written in several places before: on my bed, sofa, window seat, coffee shop, in the swim room during my kids' swimming lessons. It's wherever you most feel comfortable or sometimes it just comes down to wherever you can get the work done. Choose the one that's less distracting and will make you focus more.

Beta Readers And Where To Find Them

Hello! I'm back from an almost 10-month hiatus where I took some time to focus on my W-I-P, but I'm super excited to get to blogging again.While away I got acquainted with some hard to find but well-needed beta readers. 

What's a Beta reader? Here's a handy definition for new and aspiring authors like myself. A critiquer or reader who evaluates written work with the intention of providing feedback on spelling, grammar, plot, and characters.

Do You Need Them? Oooh yes, you do! No matter how perfect you think your work is, it needs unbiased feedback from people who love to read - preferably not your mom or siblings, friends or anyone who owes you a favor. A good beta reader will honestly tell you if they're feeling the story, if your plot makes sense, if your characters are relatable, if the story drags...etc - all of which you need to know BEFORE you even think of approaching an agent.

Beta readers honestly do not get enough credit for the amount of help they provide. I believe one writer referred to them as 'unsung heroes' and I couldn't agree more.

Where To Find Them? Now to the hard part. I remember when I started my quest for Beta Readers and I had no clue where to even look. My biggest resource - social media. It exists for a reason, so use it! I did several google searches that brought me to posts about beta readers but never actually where to find them. However, persistence paid off and after a few tries, I yielded results. Here's what worked for me: