NaNoWriMo and books on writing

[SisterImpera]

I guess it’s that time of year again… NaNoWriMo looms and although I haven’t attempted it for a few years, I’ve decided to give it a shot this year. Hopefully some of you are planning to give it a go too? I have never completed it but the menopausal virago lurking within me is determined that this is her year!!!

I’m going to do some plotting over the next couple of days and I thought I might read a couple of books on writing in order to get into the mood. I have “On Writing” by Stephen King and “No Plot No Problem” - but if anyone wants to recommend a good book, NaNo friendly or not, that would be great!

They're another very recent thread on writing books here

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/creative_writing/4864643-best-books-about-writing

IMHO you don't have to finish NaNoWriMo to have gained something useful, valuable, previous even - jump in the river and swim - you don't have to reach the sea - I advocate for the journey mindset, not the Instagram moment mindset.

Thanks very much @larkstar, don't know how I missed that. Yes, the journey has always been fun when I've tried, but I'd still love to finish one year - hopefully this year. I need a distraction from job-hunting shit!

It's not NaNo related but my favourite book about inspiring writing is Bird By Bird, by Anne Lamott.

Might just get you in the writing zone - it did me when I read it.

https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ is amazing resource- her classes are as cheap as 3USD (Some are more expensive). I have taken a few and they have been most helpful.

@SisterImpera I’ve heard good things about Story genius by Lisa Cron. Also, Save the Cat - really liked that for structure.

I've just started this years Nanowrimo, having put it off for years because of not having time. This year I have a month between jobs, and that month is November, so it makes sense for this to be the year I try it. I'm 4,000 words down today. How are you doing, OP?

Well done @Insidelaurashead , sounds like the stars are aligning for you this year!

I’ve bought “Save the Cat” and “Bird by Bird” as recommended here but spent so long reading them I forgot to do a plot and I am NOT a happy pantser. So I plotted today and now I’m off to get my word count about zero :)