6 Ways Writers Prepare for Camp NaNoWriMo

The steps and resources to have a successful writing challenge in July

This is my second year of Camp NaNoWriMo. Camp officially starts on July 1st, but this is the time to pack your goals to make the camping experience the best one yet. And you don’t need bug spray for this camping trip.

If you’re new to NaNoWriMo, it stands for National Novel Writing Month which is in November. This writing challenge began in 1999. You pledge to write 50,000 words.

But over the last few years, they have started camps, twice per year. They are mini-challenges and you decide your own goal.

Since I’m a planner I like to plan ahead which project and goal I will have for each camp experience. Or you can be a pantser and decide on July 1st.

How to get ready (no matter if you’re a planner or pantser)

1. Set up your profile at the NaNoWriMo website, if you haven’t already.
2. Decide your July goal. Typically writers use a word count goal but you can set up an editing goal or by the number of pages or by time. Use the conversation chart at the camp NaNoWriMo page. Look at your calendar and be realistic when deciding your goal. You can edit the goal at any point.
3. Create and announce your camp goal officially. When you’re logged into your account, click on “NaNoWriMo” and then “Projects.”
4. Connect with other campers on the NaNoWriMo site. Writers set up support groups on Slack, Discord, email, etc. As with any writing challenge, surround yourself with others participating. Be each other’s cheerleaders!
5. Create accountability by posting your goal on your social media channels. I post my goal on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. By posting publicly, it keeps me accountable for my goals. Use hashtags, like #nanowrimo, #campnanowrimo, #campnanowrimo2021.
6. Crush the goal! I like these types of challenges as a way to keep myself on task for my goals. I end up meeting amazing people whenever I do a challenge. That is priceless.

Make sure to check out the three specialized camp tracks:

• Memoir: for writers working on a memoir. The site is filled with resources and community connections.
• NaNoFinMo: for writers working on any stage of writing a book. This is the track I’m using as I’ve been working on the first draft of a suspense novel. The website is filled with resources for any stage of writing a novel.
• The Musical: for writers writing musicals. I love that they provide this track for music writers.

This is the second summer camp I’ve participated in. During the first camp, I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing. This time I feel more settled in about what I can realistically attempt during July.

I always recommend writing challenges because the collected energy of everyone trying to rock their goals is contagious. I thrive on that energy. But if July doesn’t work for you, try for November. There is always another challenge around the corner.

Want to connect on NaNoWriMo? Stop by my profile, add me as a buddy and I’ll return the favor.