Pro Tips from a NaNo Coach: How to Form Writing Habits

NaNoWriMo can seem like a daunting task sometimes, for NaNo newbies and veterans alike. Fortunately, our NaNo Coaches are here to help guide you through November! Today, author Isabel Cañas is here to share her advice on how to set yourself up for noveling success:

Dear writers, 

For many of you, this is the first time you’re having a whack at writing something as long as 50,000 words. For others, this is your third, or fifth, or tenth NaNo, and you know as well as I that it never really gets easier. 

One of the best ways you can set yourself up for success is to create habits early in the month and stick to them as best you can. 

1. Schedule your writing time in advance. 

When I was doing my PhD, I woke up early to squeeze in an hour or two of writing before I headed to campus because I am at my most productive early in the morning. You might be like me, or you might feel your sharpest in the afternoons or in the middle of the night. There is no right answer except this: whenever your time is, remember that it is yours, and it is sacred. Cordon it off and guard it jealousy.

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