Jennifer Walker

Just a quick NaNoWriMo tip tonight, because it’s 12:14 and I just met my word count for the day and I’m falling asleep!

I like to play a little game with my word count that helps motivate me to write more. I try not to take a break or let myself get distracted until I’ve reach a word count that’s a round number, usually in increments of 100. In other words, if I’m at 14,337 and I really want some mac & cheese, I’m not allowed to get up and make it until I get to 14,400. What often ends up happening is that I get to 14,400 and I’m on a roll, so I keep typing to finish my thought…and then I’m so close to 14,500 that I might as well do just a little more and get there. When it seems like I’m not going to make my word count, I look at how much I have left for the night and say, “OK, I only have 700 words left. Maybe if I can get 400 in, I’ll be able to make up the rest tomorrow.” But I keep playing my little “just a little more” game and the next thing I know, I’m looking at passing my goal for the day.

That’s it. Give it a try!