Whether you’re a young writer starting your very first National Novel Writing Month or an old hat at NaNoWriMo, it’s always important to start off the month in the right mindset. Here are five of our favorite tips for finishing NaNoWriMo!

Set your goal
To write 50,000 words in just 30 days, you need to write 1,667 words each day, or just over 3 single-spaced pages. That’s no small feat! Keep track of your word count to make sure you’re staying on track to finish, and squeeze in a few extra words whenever you have a spare minute.

Create your routine
Do you write best first thing in the morning or late at night? Cozy in bed or at your desk? Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea in your Love of Story mug, settle into your writing spot at the same time each day, and start writing!

Find your friends
Writing can be an isolating experience, so find a group of friends to write with. Check in each day to see how they’re doing, bounce ideas off of each other when you get stuck, and share your favorite tropes to stay motivated.

Write now, edit later
The best words are the ones that are written down! There may come a point in the month where you think everything you have written, are writing, and will ever write is terrible. The most important thing is to just keep writing. 

Reward yourself
You’re doing something amazing, so don’t forget to reward yourself when you hit certain word counts! Your favorite chocolate bar at 5,000, a few new stickers for your laptop at 15,000, the perfect mug at 25,000, the options are endless. Treat yourself when you meet your goals, and the writing will feel that much sweeter.

Happy NaNo! Now I’ve gotta get back to writing. I’m already behind on my word count.