Pro Tips From a NaNo Coach: Slaying the Beast That Keeps Us From Writing

NaNoWriMo can seem like a daunting task sometimes, for NaNo newbies and veterans alike. Fortunately, our NaNo Coaches are here to help guide you through November! Today, author Angela J. Ford is here to share her advice on how to keep writing even when the way ahead seems blocked:

Do you ever hear the voices in your head telling you that your story isn’t good enough? Or you don’t have the time or talent to write? It’s tough when you’re feeling down and imposter syndrome rears its ugly head. You say things to yourself like:

It’s too late.

I’ll never finish my book.

There are too many plot holes.

I’ll never be a best seller.

[insert name of familiar writer] never struggled like I did.

My characters are too shallow.

Is this even a believable plot?

I don’t have the time.

I went through a rough period one year. I’d finally been able to make full time income as a writer and had already sold thousands of books. Then it happened. I got slammed with some brutal reviews that absolutely gutted me. As a result, I froze. I couldn’t write and I didn’t know what to do. I’d finally reached the elusive success all writers dream of only to feel completely rotten. That’s when the lies started dancing in my head:

You’ll never be good enough.

Your work is trash.

When I tried to write the lies buzzed around my head faster. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to complete another novel and maybe my career in writing was coming to an abrupt end. So, I did what anyone would do. I took a break from writing. But I didn’t stop there, I came back stronger than before. I took a metaphorical ax and chopped those lies up, fired up my creativity, and started churning out stories faster and better than before. 

Here’s what I learned and what I sincerely hope it will help you get through the rough patch in your story:

1. Write for yourself. 

Pretend that no one will read your words except you. Be bold and write whatever comes to mind without editing yourself. This is your story, write what makes your blood boil, write what makes your heart sing, write your worries and fears. Get it all down on paper. When you write the story you want to read, it changes things and your passion will leap off the page.

2. Remember why you started.

There’s a reason why you decided to write your book; go back to your why when the going gets hard. If you don’t know why, write it out and put it on the wall as your manifesto. 

3. Finish that first draft no matter what.

The reason most writers fail is because they don’t finish their first draft. I encourage you to finish your book, even if it’s an early ending that you’ll need to re-write. Finishing your first draft is half the battle. 

4. Seek accountability.

The #1 thing that helped me complete my first book was accountability. I had people cheering me on and waiting for the novel to be completed. Reach out either locally or virtually for an accountability partner who will cheer you on to the finish line. 

5. Don’t compare yourself.

If you’re a reader, you know there are some jaw-dropping storylines out there. The novels you wish you had written, or that make you wonder if you will ever be good enough. Stop, drop the book and walk away. Comparison will only make you feel inferior. There’s a reason why we are all different. The world needs your unique spin on your story, whether you write 100 words a day or 10,000 words a day. It’s okay to shut off access to the things that make you feel inferior. 

6. Slow and steady wins the race.

Take your writing one day at a time, or one hour at a time if you need to. Consistency pays off, even if you’re showing up for 10 minutes a day, you’ll get a lot further than if you don’t do anything at all.

7. It’s never too late.

It is never too late to start your book, or keep going. Just because November is halfway over doesn’t mean it’s too late to start. Head over to your computer and start writing now, if you keep waiting it might be another month, another year, another decade before you start your novel. Stop waiting. Start writing. 

8. You can improve everything about your book in the next draft.

I’ve written several bad drafts which went through extensive polishing and creating an amazing book! Keep that in mind when your first draft makes you cry. Everything can be figured out; everything can be revised. Finishing your first draft is the first step, so do that first and revise afterward.

9. Read, read, read.

When you feel blocked with your creativity, don’t be afraid to take a break. Pick up a book and read it, watch a TV show, go outside. Make a change to get the creative juices flowing again. If you don’t know enough about the craft of writing, read books about it. If you feel like your characters are flat, read up on character development and adding emotions into your story. The world is at your fingertips, read, explore, take action and write your best story. 

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Ask. If you need feedback on your storyline, reaching out to beta readers, writers in the same genre, and successful professionals. No matter where you are in your story you can reach out for help, and chances are it will help you get over the hump.

You are not a failure. Your story is beautiful and there are specific people who need to hear it. Even if only one person loves your story, you will have succeeded. 

Go forth and write. Don’t let the monster stand in the way of your flow. Find those precious moments and don’t get hung up on the blank page. Pick up pen and paper, whatever you need to do to make it happen, do it. You’ve got this!

Angela J. Ford is an award-winning blogger and author of the international bestselling epic fantasy series,THE FOUR WORLDS. Her books have sold over 25,000 copies world-wide and have been ranked bestsellers in multiple categories.  Aside from writing, she enjoys the challenge of working with marketing technology and builds websites for authors. If you happen to be in Nashville, you’ll most likely find her at a local coffee shop, enjoying a white chocolate mocha and furiously working on her next book.