It’s hard to believe Halloween has almost come and gone. But before you head into Christmas, and even before thinking about stuffing your face with turkey and watching football at the end of November, there’s a holiday of sorts right around the corner for writers.
November is National Novel Writing Month (aka: NaNoWriMo). If you are unfamiliar with the challenge, the idea is to start and complete a novel in 30 days. A novel, as defined in the official challenge rules, is 50,000 words. Sound daunting?
Just a couple of years ago, I couldn’t have imagined finishing one novel. Now, I have almost half a million words published. The trick is to be prepared and to build a habit.
While I’ve never personally “competed” in NaNoWriMo, I do think it’s a great way for authors to get around a community of other writers and write their asses off.
Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite books on writing to help authors get through this hectic month.
On Writing by Stephen King
Widely known as the best book on writing, Stephen King’s bible for writers is half-autobiography and half-writing help book. While I don’t agree with all that he says (I like plotting), it’s a must read for writers, old and new.
Grab your copy
The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne
If you’ve always had trouble plotting your book and figuring out the elements that make a great story, look no further than The Story Grid. This book has drastically changed the way I plan my stories before writing them.
Grab your copy
Write. Publish. Repeat. by Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt
If you’re looking to make a career out of your writing, this is your book. Johnny and Sean, along with their business/writing partner, David Wright, are the hosts of the Self-Publishing Podcast. That podcast has helped my writing career more than any other source. But with over 200 episodes, this book is a great one-stop-shop to advance your career as an independent author.
Grab your copy
Lifelong Writing Habit by Chris Fox
If you struggle just to get into the chair every morning, Chris Fox’s Lifelong Writing Habit will help instill the day-to-day mindset to keep trucking through your work. Chris has some fantastic other books as well on launching your book once it is completed.
Grab your copy
Successful Self-Publishing by Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn is one of the lead authorities in the world of self-publishing, and this free book is an amazing way to get started.
Grab your FREE copy
The 8-Minute Writing Habit by Monica Leonelle
Short on time? Monica Leonelle has you covered! My favorite of her Prose on Fire series, The 8-Minute Writing Habit, teaches you how you can sneak in small sprints and still get that story out of your head and onto the page.
Grab your copy
I hope you get some good information out of these like I did. And good luck with NaNoWriMo!
Check out the official website for National Novel Writing Month at: http://nanowrimo.org/
