Why I Participate In NanoWriMo As A Writer

Рет қаралды 8,182

4 жыл бұрын

It’s almost time for NaNoWriMo! Since we’re deep into Preptober, I wanted to share my story of how I got involved in NaNo, why I love it so much, and what I’m writing this year.
I also created some cool word count trackers for you to download for free! If you’re on my mailing list for Heart Breathings, you have the link to download in your email today.
If you aren’t on my mailing list yet, go to my blog post today and scroll down until you see the box to sign up for my newsletter and get your free NaNo Word Count Trackers. heartbreathings.com/why-i-par...
**Note: If you sign up through any other form or box on my site, you’ll get a different download! Email me if you accidentally get the wrong one!
The walkthrough on how to use this word count tracker starts around 20:24 in the video.
Check out my friend Jenn's KZfaq Channel! She has some great NaNo content and vlogs coming up! / @jdrobinson_author
Join my Word Sprints Group on Facebook: / hbwordsprints
✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰
🖤Visit me on Etsy to see my custom 90-Day planner, the HB90 Method. The Q4 Planners are available now!! www.etsy.com/shop/heartbreath...
🖤Social Media Planner coming soon!!
🖤Want to get on the waiting list for news when Publish & Thrive reopens? Sign up here: bit.ly/hbselfpub
✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰
SUBSCRIBE NOW -- / heartbreathings
Want to send me some Happy Mail?! I now have a PO Box!
Sarra Cannon
3642 Savannah Hwy., Suite 116 # 234
Johns Island, SC 29455
_____
BLOG -- heartbreathings.com/blog
INSTAGRAM -- / heartbreathingsblog
FACEBOOK -- / heartbreathings
TWITTER -- / heartbblog
____
Heart Breathings - Episode 122
_____
About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 25 books and sold well over half a million copies.
I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.
____
MY BOOKS -- www.sarracannon.com
THREE FREE BOOKS -- sarracannon.com/book/beautiful...
My Author Channel - / sarracannon
#authortube
*Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission if you purchase something through my link. Thank you for supporting this channel!

Пікірлер: 101

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

Are you planning to participate in NaNo this year? What are you working on? Do you want to see more videos about how to prepare here on my channel? Oh, and don't forget to grab your free trackers! heartbreathings.com/why-i-participate-in-nano-wrimo-as-a-writer/ The walkthrough on how to use them is at 20:24 in today's video!

@Danielle2Cats 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm finishing my first book "The Elemental Witch" hopefully. 😁

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

@@Danielle2Cats nice!!!

@brittney3165 4 жыл бұрын

I’m working on a fantasy novel as well! It’s in nanowrimo as Project Fir And has elves and dwarves and humans and werewolves (sort of) and vampires (sort of). It’s about a mercenary who was previously heir to the throne and the people who overthrew her begin an invasion. She has to decide if she’s going to hide from them or fight back. Side note: I discovered your channel after Kate Cavanaugh mentioned you in a video and I LOVE the melding of writing and organization on here. I’ve legit been binging since I discovered.

@sarasvatiriver 4 жыл бұрын

I've been doing Nano off and on since 2001 and I love the community. I don't always win, but I always have fun! This year I am trying a new subgenre that I am so excited to try (Academy). It's a spin-off from another series that I also did in Nano way back so part of it is familiar but part is totally new. Called The Reluctant Witch (Santa Cruz Witch Academy #1). The word tracker will help. Thank you for the editable version!

@Artraive 4 жыл бұрын

I'm going to start my second book in my fantasy fairytale retelling series. It's my first try so I went with a personal goal of 10k 😊 I'm in the prepping stage now which for me means outlining and it's going well. How's your prep going for nano?

@michellecornish 4 жыл бұрын

I would love to hear your 'how I got started' story sometime. 😊

@WordsPictures997 4 жыл бұрын

Yes please!

@evelyngray9893 4 жыл бұрын

I love hearing your process in finding your niche and flow as a writer. Thank you for sharing. I just hit 50k for the first time today, and I'm feeling that excitement of hitting such a large number! I'm hoping that I can get the first draft finished soon.

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

Yay! Congrats!!!

@JDRobinson_author 4 жыл бұрын

Aww, thanks you for the shout out! I can't wait to participate in NaNo this year! I'm working on Book 2 of my American Blood series! We should do some sprints together in November!

@laurafinocchiarostudios 4 жыл бұрын

This will be my first time participating in NaNo and I had already found a local group fb page. They posted a link to your video and It has been so helpful! I just downloaded the printable you made, its beautiful and you for putting in the effort! I’m sure this will change drastically as I outline BUT at the moment I’m writing and Adult horror/dark fantasy novel about a woman who gets tapped in a lucid dream by the creature who created that dreamscape.

@jenrothke3368 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I'm participating this year after a long break. My first win in 2010 was a major achievement for me and it gave me so much confidence. Looking forward to that again. I'll be working on Book 2 of my River of Blood Trilogy. I'd love as much NaNo content as you can spare! Also, I can't wait for Fate's Surrender! I LOVE that series! But no pressure!!! :)

@parishansen1037 4 жыл бұрын

I love this video. I'm so excited for NaNo this year. I've participated in NaNo and Camps for the last eight years, but sadly I've only won once and that was before I started publishing. Since I've started publishing, I'm usually working on edits or something during the month and it's hard to focus on edits, day job, and writing something new. This time around though, I'm starting fresh with a new series and new characters. I'm super excited and looking forward to the win at the end of November! I can't wait to use your word count trackers!

@ashleychewning 4 жыл бұрын

I am participating in NaNo this year. You’ve inspired me to join in and get my second novel started. I just finished my first novel and need to work on the next in my series. This was really perfect timing for me and I’m excited to join!! Thank you for all the tips, I’ve really enjoyed all the information that you share. It’s very helpful for a newbie. 😊

@gabriellacontreras7769 4 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness! Thank you for sharing this awesome word tracker that you made 😁 it is always inspiring to hear your NaNoWriMo story. Thank you!

@mariarasulo588 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sarra! This will be my first NaNo! I'm excited! Again you are inspirational, informative and generous!

@YouAreJoy 4 жыл бұрын

I am participating in NaNo for the first time ever this year (inspired to finally do it by your awesome video). I am writing the second part of my zombie series. Yes, I would love to see more videos on how to prepare. I would also love to hear your "how I got started" story sometime. Even though I've been writing and self-publishing for years, I always learn something crucial from your videos. You have the best ones out there! Thank you so much!

@DawnMontgomeryAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I LOVE THE PRINTABLES!!! Thank you so much for the gameboard style!

@kjlamoureux8439 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been on the fence about doing NaNoWriMo, and your words were just the right push! I created a profile on the NaNo site and am equal parts excited and super nervous 😬 I’ll be working on my urban fantasy novel (as yet untitled) which is still in the plotting stage, but this gives me great incentive to finish the planning by November 1!

@poetspice 4 жыл бұрын

Always love NANO WHY videos. I posted one the other day. I’ll be doing NANO again- Talula Rouge on the site. The trackers are fun. Thanks🤓🤓

@annelyle5474 4 жыл бұрын

I had a similar experience to you, Sarra - I was really struggling to get beyond about 20k on any project, then a friend in my writers' group told us about NaNoWriMo and it sounded like the perfect way to push through that barrier. I did my first NaNo in 2006 (still have the t-shirt!) and I've participated most years since then, though sometimes I was just doing edits and hanging out with buddies in my local NaNo group, because being trad published, my schedule is not always my own. This year, however, I'm going to be rough-drafting the main storyline for the sequel to the epic fantasy novel I just handed in to my agent :)

@hannahj4265 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Sarra! Thanks for the worksheet. ❤️ Writing can be overwhelming and your encouragement and wisdom are appreciated. I haven’t committed to Nano yet, but I’m honestly thinking about it now.

@marahsoore6452 4 жыл бұрын

Ugh I wish you still lived in Raleigh, I've been trying to find NaNoWriMo people but it's like everyone is in hiding. This is really great to hear your story! This year I'm working on a YA Horror that's about Slashers and Final Girls. And please always more videos about how to prep for NaNoWriMo!

@Bravosmom1 4 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic video! Thank you. And congratulations 👶🏻

@ReeseRyanWrites 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the printable and for explaining how to use it. I also loved hearing your story about doing NaNo. I first met you at a NaNo Sprint at the Moe's in Cary. LOL.

@sunitasaldhana4491 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tracker. It is really great! Planning to do Nanowrimo this year . I have a vague story in mind, will work on the plot a bit this month so that I have a better idea of what it will really shape up to be.

@The_Open_Book 4 жыл бұрын

This is my first Nano and I'm fairly behind and haven't interacted much. That said, it's made me pump out more words than I normally would. Next Year when I don't move across the country at the same time, I can't wait to really go for that goal! It's crazy you're completed it so many times! Inspiring :)

@thoughtfulbeing 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I’m planning to participate for the first time to NaNoWriMo... I’m currently working on the characters, world building and the plot... I loved your How to plot series and any other prepping series is welcomed...

@debrahorst8154 4 жыл бұрын

First, you look amazing! Thank you for the freebie. I'll definitely use it for NaNo. My story has multiple POVs too. I'll have to check out your video about that.

@dinahgt 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the trackers. They look great and I'll be using one!

@SarahMJordan 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Sarra, I loved hearing your story about getting started as a writer. Last year I participated in nano and ended up writing a nonfiction book under a penname. The book was really fun to write and it brings me a little bit of passive income every month. I'm toying with the idea of writing the sequel during Nano, this time under my own name.

@elissakane5647 4 жыл бұрын

What a great video! I'm in Raleigh and had Jenn as an ML for several years. That was a fun NaNo group! For this NaNo, I'll be writing book 1 in my four book mystery/suspense series, and I too am upping my game. My goal is an 80k word count. I've never hit more than 60k in a month, so we'll see how it goes!

@sarakeefebooks 4 жыл бұрын

I love hearing stories about Nano and how people do it and what they're planning to write! I've done Nano every year since 2003, and I've won 9 times. I love everything about Nano, but the best thing is definitely the connections I've made with other writers. I met my best friend through Nano, and we now write together 2-3x a week. This year, I'm writing book 4 in an alternate history mystery series I'll begin publishing next year. My goal for November is 55k words, then another 40k in December to finish the draft.

@KayHurricane 4 жыл бұрын

Good luck! I am writing again and am working on a contemporary romance novel titled "Planning on You". Thanks for the download.

@cgelmore488 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tracker!

@karriallen265 4 жыл бұрын

I am totally participating in Nanowrimo! I have a series I plan on working on. But I’m having shiny idea syndrome right now! So that may change. I want to self publish next year. But I’m so terrified....your videos help though. 🙂

@CanyonHolgate 4 жыл бұрын

I’m planning to participate in NaNoWriMo this November. I will be writing my novel North in Sedona which is YA fiction about my MC North Richards, who is a strong empath & eventually decides to study shamanism with his maternal grandfather, who is a shaman/medicine man for one of the local Native American societies in Arizona. I’m looking forward to participating this year!

@EMenozzi 4 жыл бұрын

Loved hearing your NaNoWriMo story! I have a very similar relationship with this event and love it so much I eventually became a Municipal Liaison. This year I'm planning to do a complete re-write of a sci-fi romance I first attempted writing back in 2009. I didn't get very far and shelved it because I didn't think I was ready (as a writer) and/or the story wasn't ready. I tried again in November 2016 and got 50k, but when I went to finish and edit it, I realized I liked the world and plot but didn't like the POV and voice. So, this year I'm trying again. Third time's the charm, right? I hope so. :)

@katrinamarieauthor 4 жыл бұрын

I'll be participating! I can't wait. NaNo always gives me a kick in the pants to get my butt in the chair. I'll be working on Big Baller. It's part of the Cocky Hero World. But all of this depends on if I finish the book I'm working on right now. So it might bleed over a little bit.

@bluovalgal 4 жыл бұрын

I wrote in your FB sprint group that I had hoped to get involved with NaNo though I didn't do much last year... Since I wrote that, I've been "plotting" a bit more on paper and printed out character background questions I found online to help develop my characters and just everything else a bit better. Last night, I listened to a podcast in which the writer basically said she had a character in mind and knew how she wanted the story to end. She didn't have anything in the middle. That's me. LOL I can't remember her name now, but she's finishing her 13th book! So I am a bit more motivated that I can do this with my first book. LOL Just sent you a friends request at NaNo. Good luck to us all! We can do it.

@Kelford4 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the word count tracker. This is my first Nano and I am terrified but also excited to at least get a chunk of work done. Also gorgeous hair! Prego hair is the best.

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@BonnieDragonKat 4 жыл бұрын

Holy Plot Bunnies! We started Nano the same year!!! You are such an inspiration! My name is KaliAngel

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

So cool!!

@mickeymiles9394 4 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to use the trackers!!! Also what kind of pens are those- I need them in my life!!!!

@evalocke6064 4 жыл бұрын

I'm participating this year since I just found out that this existed. 😝 I'm a pantser to the bone so outlining for this is gonna suck but I'm extremely excited!😊

@elizalagonia1049 4 жыл бұрын

I'm ding NaNo for the first time officially. I did Camp in July and that was good. I set a goal of 26k and I made it and I finished the rough draft of the novel. I finished the 1st/beta copy of the book the last couple of days of September. I unofficially tried NaNo last November, but I was in school and I was keeping up for the most part, but then I found out I was pregnant and Pregnancy brain kicked in massively. This year I'm doing the second book in my Slice of Life adult contemporary. Since this is my first I'm setting up a "medal" system like in the Olympics. Gold is 50K or over, Silver is 40-45k, and Bronz is 33-35K. I will always shoot for gold, but the other two medals are wins too. Right now I'm thought dumping and new character developing. By the 15th or 20th, I'm hoping to start taping index cards onto my wall for my wall outline.

@sarasvatiriver 4 жыл бұрын

What a fun way to structure it! I always say that if you have more words at the end of the month than you did at the start, you did something good. I know some other writers give themselves mini rewards at milestones like every 5k or 10k to keep themselves motivated and moving forward.

@shellystar 4 жыл бұрын

I did one Nanowrimo two years ago because I happened to not be working that November. It was a blast! I actually wrote 50K (the book sucked but I won 😁). I met a good friend through my local Nano group whom I still get together with once a week to write. Didn't do Nano last year because I was working. Not working again this year but I'm in the process of finishing my second novel. Hoping to have that novel written by the time Nano starts. Sort of plotting my Nano book, but I might have to be a rebel and edit the current book. I'm doing Nano either way. And thank you for the word tracker 😁

@rosey4exclaim 4 жыл бұрын

This will be my 12th (TWELFTH?! I am old! lol) year participating in NaNoWriMo. I've only won twice, but I have a lofty goal of 100k this year. Why? I don't know. I'm a masochist or something. lol. I'm aware I probably won't hit it, either, but I want to try! And I really like your word count calendar!

@paisleyrosestuff 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing this! I really needed it now. I'd love to see more videos about preparing for NaNoWriMo and getting through the month! I've done it a couple times before, and I've reached the 50k target, but I found I would reach 40k by about day 10 and then struggle to get to 50k for the rest of the month. Any tips for keeping up momentum/not burning out?

@SaraLea 4 жыл бұрын

the book story line... you wrote your first nano.. It sounds really good! Dying to know what happened. Lol.

@aphrodisiaxe 4 жыл бұрын

I'm actually participating this year. I'm excited yet also scared. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the groups around my area because I'm nursing a back injury that needs surgery. But once I'm better, at the next NaNoWriMo, I definitely plan on meeting people!

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

Hoping you heal quickly! Maybe you can meet people through the forums online and then be more active next year!

@aphrodisiaxe 4 жыл бұрын

@@HeartBreathings that's what I'm hoping for!! Thank you so much. Oh and I forgot to say what I planned on writing. I'm working on a horror novel that I BELIEVE I want to title "Dance of the Corpses" it's a paranormal horror. I'm hoping it translates well on paper

@rainlyte2003 4 жыл бұрын

HI Sarra. I've done Nano for 14 years I think. maybe longer. I've also had a thread - Cauldron Cafe - for 12 years. I hope you'll stop in. I will be working on An Ozark Soldier's Homecoming. This is Book 2 in my Planned to Perfection series. Love your tracker. Thank you! Now... you know your loyalists are going to look for this every year. LOL And I'd love one for JANO. What would you charge to set one up for JANO? Looking forward to a powerful year! Creative Blessings!

@grimreads 4 жыл бұрын

I am participating, have done 10 nanos and won 6 of them I think. Will do an action/sci fi book

@LadyDragoncat 4 жыл бұрын

I've had some crazy ideas trapped in my mind for years. Let this year be the year I finally set them free! NaNoWriMo... HERE I COME!!!

@meganhorton6638 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. I love NaNoWriMo. Do you have any tips for plotting, or writing in different points of view?

@authoralaskawalters 4 жыл бұрын

That novel sounds exactly like Sabrina! ‘Beautiful demons’

@jillmalever7552 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve finished two books in Nano before. But I don’t have s book for this year. I’m working on my masters and have s lot of writing and research to do then. So I’m trying to get a big load of it done then

@lennemitincan 4 жыл бұрын

"There's space for washi" Thanks my washi enabler.^^

@samanthacarr4139 2 жыл бұрын

Do you live in NC? I am in roxboro NC! We are very close! That's so awesome. When I hers this I freaked and told my husband that you mentioned Raleigh/Durham area haha

@anandavanderwesthuizen1484 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. I’ve started NanoWrimo a few times but never saw it through all the way. I have a question, do you write on the NanoWrimo website directly or still on Docs but record your count on the website?

@natalienorwood2423 4 жыл бұрын

I've never officially participated in NaNo because it was always during term papers and finals season for me. Then as I got older, it was always something! I have done 50k in a month before, though. I really would like to this year, but we are gone for an entire week for my BILs wedding. So I'm just not sure!

@tracy238 4 жыл бұрын

I'm doing Nano this year. I'm struggling with plotting, I just can't seem to find something that works for me. I can tell you roughly what I want to happen but as soon as it comes to write it down I blank.

@nonsensefreeeditor 4 жыл бұрын

When you released your first book (or series), did you release wide or were you Amazon-exclusive? I'm working on my second trilogy during this year's Nanowrimo and I was considering going wide for this one. Just wanted your take on it.

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

Exclusivity/KU wasn't a thing back in 2010, but I've never considered going exclusive once they did start that program. I don't really believe that limiting my availability and giving Amazon control of my entire career is a good move for long term success, but many people like being in KU. It really comes down to what your goals are and what you want your career to look like! There's no one way is the right way!

@CreatingCo 4 жыл бұрын

I'll be participating! I'm working on a paranormal new adult/college age romance I'm pretty sure. We'll see.

@inesjohnsonwrites 4 жыл бұрын

I haven't done NANO in awhile. I'm gonna hop on and try it again. I write shorter books @30-40K. My goal might be to draft two 30K books for a 60K November goal. I'm Ines-Johnson over there if you want a friend!

@amarieporter8392 4 жыл бұрын

Nice

@tlightsylvan 4 жыл бұрын

i wish i had that sense of community from nano but its never worked out that way for me. usually i kinda get experiences where its clear im not entirely welcome/included (like that group you mentioned that said smth derogatory abt self pub) so ive been an island for a long time, whether im participating in nano or not. makes me wonder if its worth it. :\

@lucypbooks4884 4 жыл бұрын

Do you have a NaNoWriMo group? I'm knew to it and am trying to find a place to fit in over there! LOL

@michellej1372 4 жыл бұрын

I want to participate. I've never actually won in the past but I have hit 30k+ which is still an achievement for me in one month. For me the issue of participating in Nano this year is timing. I'm at 65k in my current novel which will finish at around 90k. I could be finished it by November but then I don't want to start writing my next novel without planning, so I'll try to do something but I might spend the first week or two planning before writing.

@werelemur1138 4 жыл бұрын

Every year I've actively gone to write-ins, I've ended up winning. This year, it's a fantasy novel about the chosen one's dad, who decides to take on the Evil Empire so she doesn't have to.

@penguinloser182 4 жыл бұрын

I participated once and never hit my mark..I dunno if I will participate this year or not

@barbarawest1205 4 жыл бұрын

I am doing revisions, not original writing - unless I really get going and decide big sections need to be rewritten from scratch or I make it to the point where I got stuck and am able to carry on. How does NaNo work when you're in the middle of reviewing and revising?

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

It's easier to do revising for camp nano earlier in the year, because the November event is less flexible. The goal to "win" has to be 50,000 words written, but you can still get a lot out of the community and inspiration regardless of what you're working on. Maybe you can be a "nano rebel" and just track your revisions to 50k?

@barbarawest1205 4 жыл бұрын

@@HeartBreathings Thanks! I think I'm going to sit this one out again but will check out camp next spring if I still haven't finished!

@rhiannonhart3036 4 жыл бұрын

what does the 'public' setting mean on my Nanowrimo Project? I've never done Nanowrimo before. Does it mean everyone can see what I've written?

@kylier8599 4 жыл бұрын

I think it means other people can see your progress, word count, book title etc.

@jazzmineanderson6330 4 жыл бұрын

Are you going to finish Into the Dark??

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

I don't know!! I read a scene from it to my fans last year and they loved it, so it might be worth going back to?

@jazzmineanderson6330 4 жыл бұрын

@@HeartBreathings I want to hear it

@SoFarmish 4 жыл бұрын

I've dont NaNoWriMo twice, winning once. O went today to looke for my regional tribe and the new website is a mess. I guess I'll outline since I'm typically a pantser.

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

It really is a mess! I know they are working hard to fix things. Maybe they should have launched it earlier in the year. Fingers crossed they will pull it together before November!

@MatildaRabbit 4 жыл бұрын

NaNo doesn’t work for me. :-( I mean, I got off to a great start last year with 10K in the first few days, but then life happened. You know how you have those people who demand your time, especially if they know you’re busy???

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

Haha so true! But you could always participate just for the community of it.

@Neil-writer-author 4 жыл бұрын

Nectar my vampire novel. Book 3

@jazzmineanderson6330 4 жыл бұрын

I need help with my story for me to do that

@HeartBreathings 4 жыл бұрын

What are you struggling with most Jazzmine?

@jazzmineanderson6330 4 жыл бұрын

@@HeartBreathings everything

@sarasvatiriver 4 жыл бұрын

Try the Nano forums! They can help you break down your story into manageable chunks. Like maybe you just figure out the characters one day, and another day you work on the setting. Just take it one step at a time.