Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

#24: 10 Steps to Get Ready for NaNoWriMo

Sep 15, 2020

Learn how to prepare for NaNoWriMo by choosing a story idea, developing characters, setting, and outline. Get tips on structuring your story into acts, finding accountability partners, and approaching the event with confidence.

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Introduction

00:00 • 4min

Preparing for NaNoWriMo

04:09 • 6min

Guidance on Point of View, Setting, Synopsis, and Outline for Story Development

10:12 • 4min

Structuring a Story for NaNoWriMo Success

13:58 • 9min

Preparing for NaNoWriMo with Accountability Partners and Book Coaches

22:34 • 2min

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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