Congratulations - we're halfway through National Novel Writing Month!
At this point, it's easy to start feeling overwhelmed, lacking inspiration and struggling to motivate yourself. Here are my tips!
Find other writers
There are plenty of spaces - online and in the 'real world' - to connect with other writers.
You could try a local writing club, or look to social media. Facebook has many writing groups (just search your genre), and there's a huge community of writers and readers alike on Instagram (just search Bookstagram).
Many writers are looking to connect with each other, whether it's for a critique partner, beta reader or editor, or just to make a friend who can relate to their struggles! Your writing community can help you in many ways, such as promoting each other's work or making suggestions on your story.
Reward yourself
This might be an obvious one, but it works.
Rewards, big or small, are really important in writing. Books are large projects that can feel like chores when you have to deal with working mostly alone and not being paid for your hard work (until it becomes a bestseller, at least!).
It's important to pay yourself as you go. At the end of every milestone, make sure you treat yourself. This will tell your brain that you're doing a good thing, and encourage you to keep going.
You should also have days off, as I mentioned in my first NaNoWriMo blog. Burnout, especially in an intense challenge like Nano, is real! Rest is important.
Search other books in your genre
Go to Amazon, Goodreads, or whatever you use to find books and go to your genre. Find the bestsellers list.
Can you picture yourself there, soon? Think about what your cover might look like, or what your blurb might include.
Visualising the end result is a great way to remember why you're doing what you're doing - because you love to write, and you want to share your story with the world!
Good luck!
Come back next week for tips on beating writer's block and staying inspired as we come to the end of NaNoWriMo.
Need help with your book? Head to my contact page.
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