Prepping for NaNoWriMo

Since NaNoWriMo is just around the corner, I thought I’d share some of the articles I’ve written as Toronto Writing Examiner.

From worksheets to brainstorming; characters to setting; I hope at least one of these can help you get your writing projects organized, whether it’s for NaNo or beyond!

(If you want to friend me on the NaNo site, go for it!)

CHARACTERS

• Techniques to Create Compelling Characters
• How to choose your POV Character
• Creating fictional characters from your real life
• Rescue your manuscript: motivating your characters
• The importance of careers for your characters
• Create compelling characters with comprehensive worksheets
• Does the name of your character really matter?
• Inspiration boards can bring your characters to life

 BRAINSTORMING

• Mind mapping allows your creativity to bloom
• Solidify your setting with an inspiration board
• 5 ways to develop story ideas
• Develop a story idea in five minutes

TIPS & TOOLS

• Note-taking methods to fast track your writing momentum
• A novel blueprint for writers
• Time-saving note taking strategies for writers
• The 20-minute outline
• 3 tools to find the right words for your writing
• Rescue Your Manuscript Series
• How to set the scene for your readers
• Free tools to wrangle your writing projects
• 5 ways to recapture your writing mojo

PLOTTING

• How to craft the ultimate Rivalry in your fiction
• Uncover the secret to the perfect Quest plot
• A recipe for the Revenge plot
• Rescue your manuscript: creating conflict
• How strategic planning can sell your story

TECHNIQUE

• Establishing a natural flow to your storytelling
• Master the art of pace in your story
• Hook readers by mastering the art of showing versus telling

EDITING

• Creative ways to fix a failed WIP
• 5 time-saving tips for editing your writing

As for my NaNo project for 2012 – I’m still deciding which book I’ll be writing, but I have it narrowed down to 2. One is a sequel novella to my current novel WIP, and the other is a completely new story I’ve been letting brew for a while. Either way, I’m hoping to start outlining next week because NaNo is fast approaching!

What about you? Are you taking part in NaNo this year? What are you going to work on? And more importantly…what are your fave NaNo snacks! Mine include Swedish Berries, Sesame Snaps, Tootsie Pops, Snyder’s of Hanover Cheddar Pretzel bites and Chocolate Covered Cherries. And of course…flavored coffees of all types 🙂