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Happy Monday, y’all! It’s day five of National Novel Writing Month and if you’re anything like me, you might be starting to feel like you’ve taken on an impossible task. Fear not! Help is on the way in the form of these five easy tips to make your month of writing a success.

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1.Write every day.

This one is kind of obvious but also perhaps the most difficult. I mean, we all need days off, right? And you can still totally have them…only you can’t. Not exactly. It’s easier to break a habit than it is to start one. Even a sentence or two on your off days can help you stay motivated. And who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired and write more.

2.Be Prepared!

I’m a panster/discovery writer so this one is difficult for me because I refuse to work off an outline! Well, I’m here to argue you don’t need an outline, just a a planned time period set aside with the intention to sit down and finish the next scene. What is the next scene? Check out my next step for inspiration.

3.Go outside!

Literally, go outside. Take a walk, go to a coffee shop, STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE! NaNoWriMo is all about challenging yourself so take that leap because you’ve got this.

4.Don’t pay attention to word counts.

This one might have you scratching your head. Yes, I know NaNo is all about meeting that 50k word count but that’s a ton of pressure. Maybe you thrive under pressure ( I hope you do!) but failing to meet a daily word count goal can make you feel like a failure for no reason. Do away with the word counts and focus instead on investing the time, the words will come!

5.Ask for help!

This is probably the most important key to a successful month of novel writing. Ask your friends or family members to watch the kids, ask your partner to help you remember to spend ten minutes writing before bed, join a writing group! Oh, I can’t stress the benefits I receive (not to mention the friendships earned) from my writing group. (Here’s a link to my favorite.) You’ve taken on a daunting task, there’s no shame in taking every helping hand you can to insure your success.

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I hope this list helps! If y’all have any more tips, please share them in the comments. Happy writing, y’all 🙂