{"id":6554,"date":"2012-10-29T16:45:11","date_gmt":"2012-10-29T23:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/?p=6554"},"modified":"2012-10-29T20:12:14","modified_gmt":"2012-10-30T03:12:14","slug":"4-unconventional-ways-to-use-national-novel-writing-month-nanowrimo-by-beth-barany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/2012\/10\/29\/4-unconventional-ways-to-use-national-novel-writing-month-nanowrimo-by-beth-barany\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Unconventional Ways to Use National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) by Beth Barany"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It’s coming! The writing frenzy known as\u00a0National Novel Writing Month<\/a> (NaNoWriMo). Being a maverick, I have never used this month the way the founder, Chris Baty<\/a>, probably intended. But I don’t think he’ll disagree with the fun ways I’ve used NaNo to get writing and move ahead on my book projects.<\/p>\n

#1: Querying<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2010, I used November to take care of what had always been a daunting project: sending out query letters. I’d built a partial database of my top 50 agents, but it was old. I’d been already query my fantasy novel and other books for a few years, to no avail. This time I kept track of my querying, 10 minutes one day, 25 minutes another. I used this time to update my query letter, and send it off to at least 1 agent per day. I would also use this time to do some research on that agent or finding new agents.<\/p>\n

If you need a kick in the pants about sending your novel out there, use November for querying. Sending out only 1 letter a day makes it manageable. And I like that!<\/p>\n

#2: Editing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last year, I used November to finish writing book 2 in my fantasy series. And I made it easy. I write about 1,000 words a day, and finished the novel before Nov. 30th. That feel good.<\/p>\n

If you need added support, I know there is at least 1 Facebook group set up to support each on this, calling themselves: National Novel Finished Month or NaNoFiMo. Link: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/456870691020878\/<\/a>. Fun! I’m a member1 See you there!<\/p>\n

As a follow up, I did get request for partials and full, and even strong interest, but months later, and by then I’m jumped shipped and published my award-winning YA fantasy novel, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

#3: Editing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why wait for NaNoEdMo (National Novel Editing Month: link: http:\/\/www.nanoedmo.net\/xoops_2012\/<\/a>)\u00a0sometime next year? Use this NaNo time to complete your current work in progress, instead of starting another book.<\/p>\n

I advised one of my clients to do this this year. Why add more pressure? I said, “That way you’ll be able to finish your current manuscript. The one an editor is waiting to see!” Added bonus and motivation, right?\u00a0She sighed in relief when she really took in my suggestion.<\/p>\n

This year, I am editing my fantasy novel, book 2<\/a> in my Five Kingdoms series. I’m using my Facebook groups and the general focus on November to get clear on a few things:<\/p>\n