November is National November Writing Month (NaNo). Every November, writers can choose to join the NaNo challenge.
What’s the challenge you ask? Well to write a book with 50,000 words. Now you can write more but if you write less, it’s not considered a NaNo win. However, countless authors join (officially or unofficially) so that readers can get their hands on new stories.
My first time I joined NaNo was in 2015. I decided to write a story called, Buying Love (Maple Run #1). Wouldn’t you know it, I won. I was so happy. Later it was 
published by Celebrate Lit publishing and then eventually I received my rights back and indie published it. Eight years later, Buying Love, remains the only book I won NaNo challenge with. However, it’s not the only book that had a rough first draft started in November.
I went on to start books titled: Enduring Love (the 3rd book in the Maple Run series), Risking Love (the 4th and final book in the Maple Run series, and An Unlikely Alliance (published by Love Inspired).
This year I’m working on a secret project that I’m super excited about. I’m hoping to write 60,000 words for the month and have a finished project (well, a rough first draft) by the end of November.
So how will I do this?
1. I figured out how many days I plan on writing (I don’t write on the weekends and I’m taking time off for my kids Thanksgiving break). Then I figured out how many words I want to write (see above goal) and then that allows me to set a daily goal. Having a daily goal is huge for me. It helps me feel victorious if I exceed the daily goal, and gives me a breather on the days I didn’t quite meet the goal but am still on track thanks to going beyond the goal.
2. I figure out who my characters are before I ever start writing. It’s part of my prep anytime I write a book, but especially important for NaNo because writing pace is more accelerated. I’ve already got a secret Pinterest board with inspirational photos picked out. I also have a list of potential names for secondary characters (the hero and heroine are already named) thanks to my awesome street team. I know the setting, know their jobs, the rest will be made up as I write.
3. I’ll have writer friends who will encourage me and support me. One of my critique partners is jumping into the fray with me, but I’ve got other close friends and writer buddies who will be taking on the challenge. Having a cheering squad when you are victorious on daily word counts and when you need that extra push to continue is invaluable. They’re the heart that keeps me going.
4. Design a cover! This part is fun and reminds me that this is a real story that I want to be published (an exact when is TBD). Plus I just plain love designing covers.
5. Tell my followers! Having accountability is really helpful in meeting goals. Knowing many of you will encourage me, pray for me, and of course, look forward to reading my written NaNo project will remind me this story ultimately is for you.
Speaking of you, how about a NaNo challenge for you! The challenge is to write a review for at least 7 books. If you don’t end up reading seven books this month (after all, Thanksgiving does take some of our time), then reach out to seven authors and let them know how much their writing means to you. I guarantee they’ll be grateful, and as November is also thankful month, it fits the theme. :)
Tell me, which book will you review first or which author will you reach out to?
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
I will reach to 7 authors, but I cannot write 7 reviews in November, because I am doing NaNo too and organising writing sprints. I am the Municipal Leader for Romania.
Happy NaNo Month Toni and all IR authors. I love your challenge. Following the IR blog, I will be reaching out to more than 7 authors this month – I am on about 7 Review Teams, so this retiree through FaceBook, emails, blogs reaches out to 5 – 10 authors weekly. Also I write about 150 reviews a year about 12 – 15 per month. In October I submitted 15 reviews and in November 3 so far. While I am not participating in NaNo – I am planning a children’s photo story for my 6. year old granddaughter – Unicorn Rosy Rose Sparkles and the Nutcrackers. On December 10 we will be seeing the Nutcracker ballet. The story features the legend of the Nutcrackers, plus includes the Mouse King nutcracker, which I purchased yesterday as a gift. Unicorns are her favorite magical creature. My Unicorn Rosy Rose Sparkles sits on my computer desk. Best wishes to all writers.
Cheering you on in Nano!!
That’s amazing, Renate! Sounds like you’re a blessing to all those authors as well as your grands!
I write a review for every book I read, mostly, and I’ll be starting book #199 of the year this afternoon. The only ones I don’t write reviews for are the ones I edit, unless I get the book later on.
Wow! Do you know what book #200 will be? I’m still in the 100’s and don’t think I’m close to 200.
NaNo sounds great, I’m amazed that anyone can write a whole book in a month, but breaking it down into daily targets is a good way to approach it.
I love your NaNo reader challenge. I don’t think I will read 7 books but I will pledge to review any I read, usually about 3 per month. I am currently reading the latest in Alexa Verde’s seaside cowboy series so will start with that.
Book 199 is Project Scrooge by A M Heath. I’m not sure about book 200, it’s either another one by A M Heath, or it’s one I’m going to be editing.
Cheering you on with your NaNo challenge. I don’t write reviews for all the books I read, but I will this month. I like the idea of reaching out to authors. I already pray for you all as a group and individually as the need arises. I am looking forward to updates on your project.
I am currently reading If I Dream by Anne Perreault. I will write a review when I finish. I wrote a review for Debbie Macomber’s Jack Frost earlier this week. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I will be reviewing Jessica Wakefield’s debut book and then Susan Page Davis’s new book. will see what happens after that. (I am planning on reading a book by 3 authors also).
Yay! I’m glad you’re joining the reader challenge!
Thank you so much for your precious prayers!!
Blessings to you as well!
Awesome!