November is the national novel writing month. NaNoWriMo is the ultimate writing challenge. Write 50,000 words in 30 days. Piece of cake, you say. But are you really ready? Before you make that kind of commitment, here are some things to do to help you prepare.

Prepare your real life

1. Tell your family and friends about your plans. A little warning will save you hurt feelings later in the month, after you've forgotten calling people back, and that lunch date.

2. Plan easy meals for the month. Simple meals can be tasty, and leave you more time to write. Even better, make the meals ahead of time and freeze them. Then all you have to do is warm them up. Delegating the cooking task to other family members would help too.

3. Take care of household fix-it chores before starting. Do you have a desk drawer that sticks or a bathroom shower that leaks? Fix them before the month starts, so you don't feel the pull doing it during your writing time.

4. Let co-workers know you will be writing during your breaks and lunch hour. When the lunch group leaves, they won't break your thought process by asking if you want to go.

5. Organize your writing space before you begin. Have everything you need, where you need it, so your writing time will go smoother.

Prepare to write

1. Do your research ahead of time. Nothing slows down a writing session as having to stop and look something up. Sure, this is going to happen on occasion, but everyday trips on the internet will only slow you down and hinder your ability to meet your writing goals.

2. Have an idea of what you want to write. Don't go into a NaNoWriMo without a plan; use the time before to map out your characters, setting and plot. So you can just write!

3. Be sure you have enough paper, writing tools, ink, etc. Go to the office supply store and stock up, before you start the month. Otherwise, you'll be slowed down by a printer that's out of ink, or paper, or both.

4. Take a notebook and pencil with you every where you go. You never know where inspiration will hit you; waiting at the repair shop or standing in line at the store. Take advantage of those times, and increase your word count too.

5. When the time comes, write. This one should need NO explanation.

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally

1. Why do you want to do a NaNoWriMo? Is it because you know you can do it, or because you're hoping to jumpstart your writing? Knowing why will make the process easier to do.

2. What do you hope to accomplish? Do you want to actually finish a book, rewrite a book, or just write a bunch of story stories or poetry? Knowing what you want to have at the end of the time helps focus your writing time.

3. Do you want to have fun, or do some serious writing? The answer to this question will dictate the kind of NaNoWriMo experience you have. And will help you be successful in your quest.

4. Lock your inner critic in a closet. Don't let him/her out until you finish. Nothing slows a writing session down as to have your inner critic start second-guessing everything you've put on paper.

5. Do not worry if what you are writing isn't your best, or your worst, work - You are doing this to get words on paper. So write, don't worry about how good, or bad, your writing is. You can always edit it later.

Preparing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally will make a NaNoWriMo writing experience a creative and joyful experience. You can do it; it just takes a little preparation.

Dawn Arkin
http://www.Writing.Com/authors/darkin