Camp Nano is next month. (I know, because I’ve received the emails) While it’s not as… intense as NaNoWriMo (It can be, if you make it), it’s still a challenge. You have a deadline… and a goal. If you’re part of the working class, then you’ve got a job to do at the same time. The younger crowd generally has some form of school. Some of the lucky few have both to contend with while pounding out words on a daily basis.
I’ve already talked about some of the things we, as a writing group, use to keep going during nano. Some of these tools can also be used to prepare for an upcoming writing challenge. Some of those things include:
Writing prompts. No thought involved or required when using these. The idea is there, you just run with it. Good for stretching out the imagination and getting that brain-to-finnger function working again.
Writing sprints: Mostly, we use these to get ready for the actual writing sprints we use during Nano.Writing sprints are great. You get that burst of creativity, but you know that it’s not going to last forever. You get a nice little break to unwind… then, BLAMMO! you’re off on another sprint.
Preparing: A few of our group just love the month ahead of Nano to prepare for what they’re going to write during the month. Whether this be with elaborate spreadsheets or notecards, to even just coming up with the idea of what to write about.
Whatever we do though, stretching and preparation are the key to a successful Nano (whether it’s the full-blown one, or either Camp). So, before heading off into the thickest, wildest part of the jungle… take the time to get a good stretch in. Besides, the animals in there like a good chase.
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