For those doing NaNoWriMo and are searching for advice how to survive it. The best answer is “Eat the Elephant One Bite at a Time.”

Only reason I bring this up is because I know folks that are currently way behind (like I am), and the more behind you get the more the word count piles up and you get scared. You start asking why you are doing this, and how you got yourself into it. Even worse you start to doubt that you can do it.

Well, STOP IT! The way you get through a month of writing (or any project for that matter) is to look keep your eye on the closest check point, and it’s your goal to make it to the checkpoint come hell or high water.

The next bit of advice I can give for those that find themselves staring at the blank page for the two hours when you are supposed to be writing is too either write or do something else. I know it sounds a bit odd, but the best way to break writers block is to actively work on something else. Yes it doesn’t advance your word count, but it gives your brain time to mull over and figure out what you want to write.

I tend to do something close to “directive dreaming” when I go to sleep. I tend to replay the last minute of the scene I’m writing as I’m laying in bed. Then I let my mind flow to see where it continues. Sometimes I have to force it down one or two paths, but after a few minutes (normally just before I fall asleep) I come up with where I need to head, and even if I don’t remember the exact cool scene I saw. The seeds of the idea are stuck in my head, and when I start writing it will come back to me.

Another thing to do is break up your writing periods up. I know that I’m only effective at writing for about 30 – 45 minutes at any given stretch. Therefor I start writing until I’m not sure where I’m heading. Then I tend to stand up and take a walk. If it is to get something to drink, roam aimless around my house, clean up a small pile that has been siting in my living room for too long, or an extended wanderings out of my house and down to the park. The idea is to refresh your mental batteries.

Hey, sometimes just switching gears, and writing something else for a bit can help. Sometimes the reason you can’t write is because something unrelated bouncing itself around in your head, and unless you get it out of your head and on paper. It will eat away at you and cause you to lose focus.

Lastly, if you have serious problems writing the best way is not only to surround yourself with other people doing the same thing, but also find a few people willing to suffer with reading a pre-draft story. It’s amazing when you get a bit of feedback like. “That was cool. I didn’t see that coming!” Or “So… When is the next chapter coming out?” Will do for your need to write.

Now, stop reading my blog and get back to writing.

BTW, this month I may be spotty in terms of writing. So just bear with it. I know few folks are reading. So bear with me until after this month I’ll be more consistent.