In about two weeks, on July 1, Camp NaNo will begin! Like the last Camp NaNo in April, I’m not worried about beginning on time or how many words I write this month. I have so many deadlines looming that every day feels like Camp NaNo! But since I’ll be writing anyway, I’m going to participate so I can keep track of my word count. That means I’m going to work with the same kind of mindset that I have during NaNoWriMo in November. To do that, I need to make sure that I’m taking care of myself and have set in place ways to care for my family as I try to meet my goals. It’s also summertime with all the travels and entertaining that happen in July so I need to do some early planning to make sure I don’t forget anything or anyone, including the dog!
So what is Camp Nano? It’s a month-long virtual writing retreat. Pretend you are hidden away in a cabin in a beautiful location (beach, mountains, etc) and all you have to do is write. You can join virtual cabins with friends who help keep you accountable. You can write whatever you want this month–a novel, short story, script, or finish your dissertation. The entire point of joining this community and expressing your goals publicly is to encourage you to write. The world is in a desperate place and needs all of our stories. But writing 50,000 words (which is the standard goal) is hard work. So, below, I’ve laid out my favorite tips that have helped me in the past to have a successful Camp Nano. And I hope they help you too!
And here’s a free printable coloring page to help you keep track of your daily word count. Just click on this link to download.
Tips for a Successful Camp Nano
DECIDE ON YOUR PROJECT & GOALS
The first thing you need to do is choose your project and your writing goals and then head over to the NaNo website. Once there, add your project to your account (or make a new account and add your project) and let the world know what you are working on for the rest of the April.
CARRY A NOTEBOOK EVERYWHERE
You will still have a life in between all the writing you hope to do. And since the greatest ideas often come while you’re driving or grocery shopping, bring a notebook everywhere. That way when those ideas pop up, you can jot them down quickly so you won’t forget. A notebook is also great for those times when you’re waiting for an appointment (I’m looking at you, DMV!) or stuck in a Kiss & Ride line. This way you’ll never miss another great plot twist again.
TELL YOUR FAMILY
Let your family know about your project and your word count goals. They may or may not be supportive, but if you let them know you can set some boundaries about your defined writing time and family time. That way everyone knows what to expect when it comes to your time and attention.
SET A DAILY WRITING TIME
Choosing a time, each day, that you’re going to write sets you up for success. It also helps get your family on board if they know that not only do you want to finish a project but that you have a defined plan–with specific times–to get it done. Boundaries really help you and your family set expectations for the month.
SET SMALLER WORD COUNT GOALS
You don’t have to write 50,000 words. You can write as many or as few words as you want. Although 50K is the standard that Camp NaNo sets, they are not in charge of you! Look at your project, and your available time during the month, and set a realistic goal. A few words are better than no words. And remember that famous line…”you can’t edit a blank page.”
CHOOSE WEEKLY GOALS
Camp NaNo can be hard on the ego and the muse. So instead of just thinking about the looming word count goal, choose smaller word count goals for the week, or decide on different goals. The whole point of Camp NaNo is to train yourself to build a writing habit. So maybe set a weekly goal of sitting at your desk every day for 30 minutes. Or another goal could be to spend some “thinking time” every day with your characters. It doesn’t matter what the goal is, as long as it helps you move forward with your writing–whether it be actual word count or just building new habits.
SET UP WRITING SPRINTS WITH FRIENDS
In Camp NaNo, you can set up virtual cabins with friends. Then you can decide on dates and times to do writing sprints for however long you want. My friends and I tend to do 45 minute sprints, but others prefer 25 minute sprints (like the Pomodoro Method). Regardless of the time you write, or for how long, it’s always so much more fun to do it with friends.
BUILD YOUR OWN CABIN IN THE WOODS
Before beginning a big project, it’s always nice to have a clean desk and surroundings. So a few days before I begin a NaNo project, I take the time to clean out my desk, wipe down my screen, dust around my computer, pick up books, journals, notes, etc. I even decide which notebook I’m going to use and sometimes I’ll set up a calendar so I know exactly what my family and other obligations are so I know when I can write.
JOIN CAMP NANO EVENTS
Check out the NaNoWriMo website for more details. The website has dates and times for virtual writing events, discussions with authors and other publishing professionals, and events with lots of emotional advice. There are “camp counselors” who run these events, and you’re welcome to reach out to them at anytime if you need help.
DON’T FORGET YOUR FIRST AID KIT
Writing for hours is hard on the body and the mind. So before I sit down, I do a few things to set myself up for success. First, I make sure I have my favorite healthy snacks, tea blends, coffee, and even water enhancers because it’s very easy to get dehydrated while you write. I also take a day before Camp NaNo begins to buy and organize my office supplies. Sometimes new markers, post-it notes, index cards, etc. can really help set the creative mood for a new project. I also purchase a few small gifts for myself that I can only open when I hit my weekly goals, regardless if they are word count goals or other habit-forming goals like I mentioned above.
PICK A WAY TO CELEBRATE
Before you begin, decide on how you want to celebrate at the end of the month. For me, I always make a dinner reservation for myself and my husband at my favorite (and inexpensive) restaurant. I have friends who meet for a celebratory lunch, and others who buy themselves something special. But choosing it at the beginning so you have something to look forward to can be so motivating when you’re stuck in the middle of the month with a bunch of messy scenes. Visualizing yourself at the end of the month, doing something you can look forward to, may just get you out of that messy middle.