NaNoWriMo 2005

Nearly there!  These are the lessons learned from my second NaNoWriMo experience:

• Do your research outside of writing times.
• Turn off the internet until you hit your word count for the session.  Then go on the NaNo forums.
• Compete with no-one but yourself.
• Meet the local NaNo'ers, it's much more fun in company.
• Bribe, treat, and reward yourself for milestones.
• Block out distractions with foreign or instrumental music.
• Encourage others, especially the newbies.
• Challenges, dares, and word wars are good.
• Write with headphones on (even if you're not playing music) so people don't disturb you.
• Characters may have a better idea of the plot than you.  After all, they're in it.
• Plunder your life experiences, you have more than you think.
• Plunder other people's life experiences too.
• Set a daily word goal and try to exceed it, even if it's only by five words.
• Never stop at 666 words for the day.
• It's not about the 50k, it's about finishing the story.