Every year, writers around the world take on the challenge of National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo. To reach this goal, writers must carefully manage their NaNoWriMo words per day. Breaking down the challenge into a certain number of words per day for NaNoWriMo makes it more manageable for writers who can make steady progress towards their 50,000-word goal.
In this article, we will give the exact words per day for NaNoWriMo that you should write and also tips and strategies for you to stay motivated, accountable, and on track to achieve your writing goals. So, let’s get started and conquer NaNoWriMo one word at a time!
What is the 50,000-word goal all about?
NaNoWriMo’s goal of writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days might seem daunting at first, but it’s a manageable feat if you figure out how many words per day for NaNoWriMo, you should write. The purpose of this challenge is not to produce a perfect, polished manuscript in just one month, but to encourage writers to push through their creative blocks and get words down on paper. The idea is to turn off your inner editor and just let your ideas flow.
Despite what some may think, the 50,000-word goal is not a measure of quality or literary merit. Instead, it’s a way to challenge yourself to write with discipline and consistency, which are essential skills for any writer. By setting words per day for NaNoWriMo and sticking to it, you can train yourself to be more productive and efficient with your writing time.
Many writers who have completed NaNoWriMo attest to the benefits of the 50,000-word goal. By forcing themselves to write a certain number of words per day for NaNoWriMo, they found that their writing became more focused, their ideas clearer, and their creativity flowed more freely. Some even found that they were able to complete their novels well before the end of the month.
Tackling your daily word count
One of the keys to succeeding in NaNoWriMo is breaking down the 50,000-word goal into smaller, more manageable daily word counts. The magic NaNoWriMo words per day number is 1,667 words per day, which may seem like a lot, but it’s certainly doable with the right mindset and strategies:
Set aside a specific time of day for writing
Setting aside a specific time of day for writing can be incredibly helpful in achieving your daily word count goal. By creating a routine and dedicating a certain time of day to writing, you’ll train your brain to focus and be more productive during that time.
Whether it’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening, find a time that works for you and stick to it as much as possible. Try to eliminate any distractions during this time, such as social media, email, or phone notifications.
If you’re having trouble finding time to write, consider waking up earlier or staying up later to fit in some extra writing time. Or, try breaking up your daily word count goal into shorter, more frequent writing sessions throughout the day.
Remember, the key is to be consistent and prioritize your writing during your dedicated writing time. By making writing a regular part of your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your NaNoWriMo goals.
Set mini-milestones throughout the month
Setting mini-milestones throughout the month can help you stay motivated and on track toward your 50,000-word goal. Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, breaking it down into smaller accomplishments can help you feel a sense of progress and keep you motivated.
One effective strategy is to set weekly goals, such as reaching 10,000 words by the end of the first week or 30,000 words by the end of the third week. Celebrate these milestones by rewarding yourself with something small, such as a favorite snack or a short break to do something you enjoy.
Another helpful milestone to aim for is reaching the halfway point of 25,000 words. This can be a major boost to your motivation and help you feel like you’re making real progress toward your overall goal.
Breaking your overall goal into mini-milestones can also help you identify any areas where you may be falling behind and make adjustments to your writing routine as needed. With these small accomplishments along the way, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your 50,000-word goal in NaNoWriMo.
The words don’t have to be perfect
It’s important to remember that during NaNoWriMo, the words don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to get your ideas down on paper and move your story forward. You can always go back and revise or edit your work later.
Trying to make every word perfect as you go can hinder your progress and slow down your writing momentum. Instead, focus on getting the words out and worry about perfecting them later.
One helpful strategy is to turn off your inner editor while you’re writing. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or sentence structure during your first draft. Just let your ideas flow and get them down on paper. This can help you write more quickly and effectively.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall behind on your daily word count
It’s important to remember that NaNoWriMo is a challenging undertaking, and it’s not uncommon for writers to fall behind on their daily word count at some point during the month. If this happens to you, try not to be too hard on yourself.
Remember, NaNoWriMo is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to pace yourself and not burn out too quickly. Falling behind on your daily word count doesn’t mean you’ve failed the challenge. It simply means that you may need to adjust your writing routine or dedicate more time to writing in the coming days.
If you do fall behind on your daily word count, don’t give up. Try to catch up as best as you can, but don’t sacrifice your mental health or other important aspects of your life to do so. Instead, focus on staying positive, setting achievable goals, and enjoying the writing process.
NaNoWriMo is an exhilarating challenge that encourages creativity, discipline, and productivity. By managing your words per day for NaNoWriMo and setting achievable milestones, you can make steady progress towards your 50,000-word goal.
