Preptober

Now that Preptober is officially underway, I am in full prep mode to get myself set up for a successful Nano. The list of things I need to do (outside of the 50k course) is not that long, but it’s pretty time-consuming. I’m glad that I started in September and that I still have almost an entire month.

Here is the list of things I need to finish doing as of today -

Setting Up My Desk -

My desk is not currently set up for long sessions being sat at it. I have very hunched shoulders from doing my master’s at either my poorly set up desk or in my bed. So I’ve ordered a stand to raise my laptop up to eye level and a keyboard so I don’t reck my neck or shoulders. I also want good vibes. So I need to handle the clutter and hang some of the art that has been on my desk for months.

Polish Outline -

This should be an easy enough task since I went deep into outlining when I was attempting Nano two years ago. I just want to read through it to make sure it’s the best it can be while also familiarising myself with the overall plan of what I’ll be writing.

Character Work -

I want to do some character work for at least the main characters of each section of the book. That way, they’re a little more fleshed out in my head, but also I have a reference to draw from if I get blocked.

Mood Board(s) -

I have art for most of the locations that my protagonist will be visiting. I want to compile those all together into little mood boards so that I have a visual to look at when I am writing. I also like the idea of figuring out the little differences that separate the different locations within each culture.

Trailing Writing Routines

This goal is actually a couple of different things that will hopefully come together to form a routine that is optimised for me.

• Try writing by dictation using multiple apps.

Dictation seems like an easy way to get my word count up. I can talk much faster than I can type. However, my understanding is that their accuracy is variable and that the dictation app that works best for you might be dependent on your accent and speak of talking as well as what phone/headphones you’re using. So I want to trail all the free ones to see if one will work for me.

• Try Word Count Snowball

This is a technique to get you used to writing large amounts every day. You start writing several hundred words and then work your way up to over a thousand so that you can consistently write every day and hit your word count goal for Nano. Since it’s been ages since I’ve had a daily writing routine or even a consistent one, I want to try this so I can get used to writing every day. Turning writing into a habit over 30 days will make it easier to write every day in Nov.

• Pomodoro

This is something I’ve only ever tried when I was participating in a write-with-me. When those are happening, the length of the sessions is always determined by someone else. I’ve had great results when I was using them in the write-with-me’s, so I want to try them on my own. With luck, I can figure out which length of sprint works best for me to maximise my focus and word count.

Try Pre-Writing rituals

There is evidence to support that having a ritual you complete before you sit down to write can help trigger your mind to get into “writing mode”. By engaging your senses before you start writing, you can train your brain that certain sounds or smells mean that it’s time to write. So I want to start those now as I try the word count snowball so that I can hopefully trigger that effect during Nano.

• Create a Playlist -

No lyrics, just music that matches the overall tone of my novel. My plan is to combine soundtracks and scores from film, television, and video games. Then I’ll have a nice playlist that can go for a long time without distracting me with lyrics.

• Buy Candles -

This one is a double hitter for engaging the senses. The visual of the flame combined with the scent of the candle. I love the ambience that candles can bring, but I am very sensitive to the scents of many of them. So I am on the hunt for candles with a scent I like to burn before/while I write.

• Create a daily routine that leads into the writing routine.

Finally, I want to create a bit of a rhythm that my days will follow so that writing is just part of my day and not something I have to find time for.

The list was so short, and yet there is so much to do! I’m glad I have the majority of a month to accomplish them. I really do think that I will do better in November if I can get these things done. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed by my to-do list.