5 Tips to Survive NaNo Fever

So someone you love has decided to forsake all else in pursuit of a NaNo win. Now what?

You are not alone. Over 300,000 people nationwide participate in NaNo each year, leaving countless other husbands, wives, son, daughters, parents and friends to struggle with their loved one’s decision to participate in NaNoWriMo, too.

Your first thought might be, What, a month of cereal for dinner? Again!? or I don’t know why I thought this November would be any different! But take heart, NaNo, doesn’t last forever. And hundreds of traditionally published books, even some best sellers, had humble beginnings in the crazy NaNo race. You never know where your loved one’s NaNo fever might lead! You can read all the statistics here.

What is NaNo, anyway?

I’m glad you asked. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Beginning on November 1, in a race against time, participants are challenged to begin a novel and reach a goal of 50,000 words by 11:59, November 30. The NaNoWriMo website is full of great info about NaNo's challenge, impact and encouragement. http://nanowrimo.org/

There’s no talking your loved one out of NaNo. They’ve set their goal. They are dreaming about tying “The End” on November 30. So how can you help them survive this crazy pursuit and maintain your sanity in the process?

1. Make it a family affair. NaNo is all about encouraging writers to set and reach a goal. Your loved one will be working hard. Celebrating as a family when your loved one reaches a daily or weekly word count goal will keep them motivated and will give your family a special time together. Buy a box of Klondike bars or a bag of candies. When a goal is met, indulge together!

1. Take turns pitching in to make dinner and pick up some of the slack around the house (or work, if it’s a coworker who has NaNo fever.) This is a great opportunity to try that bacon crust pot pie you posted on your wife’s Facebook wall repeatedly. Or just grab a frozen lasagna. Stouffer’s brand is delicious. And you really can’t buy ingredients to make a meal much cheaper. Watch this blog on Thursdays through the month of November for quick, easy and delicious meal ideas.

1. When you’re loved one comes up for air, offer your services for brainstorming ideas (Check back here next Tuesday for some awesome idea sparking tips from brainstorming coach extraordinaire, Michelle Lim!) or just ask him/her to tell you about their story. They will be thrilled you are showing interest! And brainstorming will give you a chance to get involved in the story. Make it a dinner table game to see who can come up with the silliest plot or the most unexpected plot twist.

1. Give your loved one advanced notice when you need them to transition out of story writing mode. They may be in the middle of an epiphany that they must get on paper before their mind will be free to entertain other thoughts. If they have advanced notice, they can at least jot down the CliffsNotes before leaving the screen so they can pick up the train of thought later. This will help both you and your loved one avoid frustration.

1. If you can’t beat 'um, join 'um. Have you ever considered writing a novel? This might be your perfect chance to give it a shot!

I’ll bet your loved one has supported you through some of your own crazy pursuits, so November’s NaNo is a great opportunity for you to return the favor. Your patience and support means more that you could possibly know. So, on behalf of your NaNo Fever stricken loved one and all the other over-ambitious writers all over the world, I’ll thank you in advance for your help. Thank you!