National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is once again upon us. I've participated every year since 2008, and completed each year with the exceptions of 2012 and 2013. I've racked up plenty of tips, tricks, and opinions in that time. The most important NaNo advice I can offer, though, is this:
Pace yourself.
Longtime followers and friends know that I've made a variation on this post every year for the past few. I'll continue to do so, because it's so damn important.
For those who don't know the story behind this advice, at the end of October 2011 I was sick. Not on death's door, but I was still ill. I was also a senior in high school at the time, with the workload that entails. Instead of taking it easy and resting, I decided to stage all-night writing marathons for NaNo. I wound up finishing the goal of 50,000 words in under four days.
I also put myself in the hospital with what developed from a cold into full-blown walking pneumonia. I had a temperature of 107.3, which is extremely dangerous. My mother shoved me in the shower in an attempt to help bring it down before taking me to the emergency room. I quite vividly recall sobbing about how cold the lukewarm was on my skin. Ultimately I was okay, but it was absolutely not pleasant. I wound up missing about a week of school.
If you plan to participate in NaNoWriMo, this year or any other, remember to take care of yourself. It is not a contest, and it is not a race. The point of the event is to put words on paper, not break yourself proving that you can write the most out of all your writing friends. Take breaks. Drink plenty of water, remember to eat, remember to get up, walk around, and go to the bathroom. If you're feeling under the weather, take it easy.
Every word is a victory, but it's only a victory if it doesn't wreck your life.
NaNoWriMo can be fun and productive, but remember to put your health and well-being first.
Best,
J.
