Everyone focuses on the problems of writer’s block. What is it, how you should avoid it, etc. What they don’t talk about is that writer’s block is not the only reason that a writer can stall. There are times when you can have all the ideas in the world you just don’t have the energy to get them out. That is burnout and it can be even more devastating for your word count than writer’s block.
NaNoWriMo is an intense month. Creating a writing schedule, aiming for a word count and pumping out a certain amount each and every day. It’s all beginning to feel like work, a chore that you have to get through each day. Once that happens, it gets harder and harder to get into a creative mindset and that has an impact on your writing and, in turn, on your daily word count.
What can you do to stop the intensity of NaNoWriMo from turning into a slog?
Remember why you’re doing this. NaNoWriMo is not a job, it’s not about making money, it’s about passion, it’s about following your dreams. You chose to write a book this month! So as you stare at the screen, trying to shake off the weariness, remember why you’re doing this. This isn’t some deadline that you have to meet or your boss will yell at you. You’re not going to get fired if you miss a day. This is about following your dreams. This is about completing something that you can look back at with pride. So, when you’re feeling tired and you’re trying to get up the energy for today’s writing, remember that this is not a chore to simply get through, this is your choice.
Keep writing! You’ve got this.
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