So how can writers manage NaNo and all the other things going on during November? No one can fully plan for the unexpected. But with a little thought, there are ways to keep your head above water as you work on your novel.

Here are some of my favorite tips for NaNo success.

1. Have a designated time and place to write. While you’ll need some flexibility to allow for the unexpected, writing at the same time each day helps you develop a consistent habit. It also helps to have a specific place to write. When you write at the same place, your creative instincts learn that when you sit down in that same chair, it’s time to write.
2. Let others know you’re writing. While the end of the year gets busy with holiday gatherings, work projects, and school activities, it’s important to let your family and friends know you will be writing during the month. They need to know that you’ll be busier than usual and might not be able to commit to additional activities.
3. Balance what you eat. With the added writing time, there’s a temptation to stockpile caffeine and sugary snacks. But I suggest finding a balance with the sweets and healthy foods. Save the candy and caffeine for those times when you need an extra boost. But be sure to have things like carrot sticks, fruit, and herbal teas on hand.
4. Plan your meals. This one will depend on your family situation. Since I live alone, it’s not as big of a deal. But if you have a busy family, planning meals ahead will allow you to save time. Instead of the “what’s for dinner” questions, you can already have everything ready to go.
5. Use visual trackers. While checking your word count on whatever writing program you use tells you how you’re progressing, having some sort of tracker you can put on a wall or a bulletin board gives you added motivation. You can create trackers based on checking off each day, the daily word count of 1667 words per day, or count by a set amount (500 words, etc…).
6. Sprint to success. I love writing sprints. During NaNo, some days you have to fit in writing wherever you can, even if that ‘s only 20 minutes at a time. Take advantage of shorter times to get in some words. Sprints can also be great even when you have longer. Set a timer for 20 or 25 minutes and write as much as you can. Then, take a five-minute break and repeat as needed. These shorter writing sprints help keep you focused and limit procrastination.
7. Limit your television time. Especially if you write mostly in the evenings, watching television can become a procrastination tool. You tell yourself “I’ll just watch this one show,” and three hours later you haven’t written a word. Consider recording favorite shows and using them as a reward for after you’ve completed your words for the day.
8. Reward yourself. For some writers, using fun rewards during NaNo can add to the motivation. Some will give themselves a little reward each day, something like a piece of your favorite chocolate, when the daily word count is met. Others prefer a bigger target so will wait until they get to 10,000 words and reward themselves with a drink and snack from a coffee shop.
9. Take care of yourself. Completing NaNo and still managing your daily life is hard. Give yourself permission to take a break if you need one. Create a list of things you enjoy that can help you relax. Things like taking a bath, going for a walk, or even just sitting quietly for ten minutes might seem frivolous. However, giving yourself time to rest and/or have fun might be the creative boost you need.
10. Take your work on the road. While having a designated writing spot will keep you consistent, it can be fun to spend some time in a different location when you need a boost. Some people might book a hotel or rental house for a weekend writing retreat. But if you can’t do that, I like to create a day long retreat at local spots. I’ll have breakfast at a coffee shop, then time at the library or park (depending on the weather), a working lunch at a restaurant, and then grab an afternoon snack at the bookstore’s café. I set a word count goal for each location. Adding in a day retreat can be especially fun if you’re a little behind on your word count. The change of scenery might be the creative boost you need to get back on track.