In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through ten steps to get ready for NaNoWriMo. Here's a preview of what's included:

[03:40] Step 1: Choose one story idea to work on during NaNoWriMo.
[04:40] Step 2: Test out (or flesh out) your story idea by writing a 1-2 sentence logline and a 250-word elevator pitch for your story.
[00:00] Step #3: Choose your story's main genre so that you have a blueprint for writing a story that works.
[07:40] Step #4: Uncover your story's theme so that you know what point you're trying to make with your story.
[08:30] Step #5: Get to know your protagonist. What does he or she want? Why does he or she want that?
[09:50] Step #6: Choose your point-of-view and tense.
[10:55] Step #7: Develop your story's setting. Where and when does your story take place?
[12:00] Step #8: Write a 1-3 page synopsis of your story.
[13:45] Step #9: Create your big picture outline by breaking the goal of 50,000 words into three smaller parts.
[15:15] Step #10: Brainstorm your story's key moments within each act.
[20:30] Key points and episode recap.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode Freebie: The 10 Step NaNoWriMo Planning Checklist (PDF)
• How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Story (podcast and article)
• How to Decide Which Story Idea to Write Next (podcast and article)
• 3 Ways to Figure Out the Theme of Your Story (podcast and article)
• 5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters (podcast and article)
• How to Choose the Best POV for Your Story (article)
• Narrative Drive: How to Write a Page Turning Novel (podcast and article)

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