Week 4 Tips for NanoWriMo '21

I'm sure by now with all the turmoil and hubbub of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday shopping season, you're feeling frustrated and losing your momentum with the writing. My suggestion? Let it ride and don't angst that your writing schedule is beginning to look like a pile of doggie doo-doo.

How about we focus on what we've achieved to date? Let's put a positive spin on things and remember to breathe. So grab a few minutes to do something fun like create a small mood board and make little affirmation notes and pin them up where you can see them. Whether you've written 500 words or 5,000, that's terrific! Put that up on the board.

In the past I've used ATC cards -- artist's trading cards, which are about 2" x 3"; I've also used blank shipping tags, again quite small. But frankly anything will do. Spend 15 minutes with some colorful markers, pencils and/or pens and decorate your affirmations.

What can you celebrate? Here's a quick list that may help:

> a particular character that you like how she/he is unfolding within the story. This could be a secondary character that is enriching the story that you hadn't anticipated;

> a passage that you feel happy about; maybe it was unexpected;

> a turn in the story line that you decided to explore and keep.

Remember, it's not just about the 50,000 word goal. It's about how you put yourself out there, how you acknowledge your successes and your defeats and keep on going. This mood board is positive reinforcement, a small yet significant "happy place" that will reassure you during the ensuing chaos of Turkey Day and beyond. Now, off you go and remember to roll with the punches, don't eat too much, stay safe out there . . . and I'll see you next week as we hit the final hours of NanoWriMo 2021!

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Claire Hadleigh

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