From My Nano Mailbox

Thought I would share this with you (from my nano mailbox): 

First, congratulations on making it through week one! I hope you had a good time, and that your story cooperated. Even if it didn't. the fact that you're even trying means that you're doing something amazing.

Now, for the bad news... it's time for Week Two. Week Two is like a depressed sulky teenager. Your characters may stop cooperating with you, and just sit there staring at you dumbly. Your villain may refuse to do anything villainous. You may despair of ever finishing this novel, and wonder why you thought you could. Well, don't panic! This happens to many writers during NaNo, and lots of people get through it.

To help you get through it, here's some tips:

* Make sure you write something every day. Even if it's not as much as you need, write. Every word helps.

* Try using word sprints. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and write as fast as you can. You'll be surprised.

* Do something crazy. Add ninjas. Blow up a building. Make your characters join the circus.

If you need advice, feel free to post on the forums, or hop into the chatroom. It's been busy this year, and there is almost always someone ready to answer your questions. You can find the link on the forums. While on the forums, make sure to check out the regional calendar. We have lots of events scheduled, and hopefully there's one near you. If there's not, and you feel like organizing one, please do. And then let me know, and I'll post it in the calendar!

One last note: Today is the first 'Back Up Your Novel Day'. Nothing sucks more than creating an amazing (or at least not horrible) novel, and then losing it. So, back it up! Email it to yourself. 

Copy it to a flash drive. Set up a Dropbox account. Print out a copy and store it in a safe. Whatever makes you feel confident it won't get lost. Just make sure you have copies in more than one place.

Thank you all for being such a great group. I really appreciate how easy you all make my job.

Matthew Walker
Happy Cat Herder

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Okay, so anything that encourages bringing in the ninjas and blowing up buildings . . . I'm all in. But wait! Do the ninjas blow up the building? Or does that require turning the characters of the story into ninjas first? I think either would be interesting. While we're at it, let's blow up a boat. Throw some fruits and vegetables at the corn. Learn how to fly while on a motorcycle. 

Now what ideas can you think of to break the Nanowrimo writer's block?