I first joined NaNoWriMo in 2008, though I didn’t participate until 2009. NaNo is a website online, so I thought the only way to write NaNo was to write it on the computer, especially since you have to copy and paste your novel onto the website to “validate” the word count.
It wasn’t until a few years later that I realized not everyone wrote their novels on the computer. Not everyone used Word Document.
Kris was the one who told me that some people handwrote their novels.
Who in their right mind handwrites 50,000 words…? But people do it. And it’s a challenge I wouldn’t mind taking up, though maybe for Camp NaNo with a lower word count. Depending on how big I write, I can write about 250 words a page. I don’t even know how long that takes me, but I do know it takes me an hour to type 2,000 words. So, naturally, I’d rather type for NaNo than handwrite.
But it can be and has been done before.
Word Document
I always type it on the computer because it’s easier for me. I’m able to keep up with my train of thought and I can write more in less time. Word has always been my go-to because that’s just what I grew up with.
Notebook
Like I said before, I’ve never handwritten a novel for NaNo before. I think it would be a fun challenge that I do plan on trying out some day, but it most likely won’t be anytime soon.
When I used to write fan fiction years ago, I used to write it all in a notebook first. So I’ve certainly filled up my fair share of notebooks with stories and books long before I knew about NaNo. However, I never wrote those stories within 30 days.
Storyist
I’ve heard good things about Storyist, though I’ve never used it. This is another way to write your novel and I know some people use this for NaNo as well. Not only can you write your novel, but you can take notes, outline, and keep your story organized.
Scrivener
Similar to Storyist, I’ve heard people write their novels this way as well. I’ve never used it, but I believe it’s more or less the same thing as Storyist, except it can be for PC too.
I’ve always wanted to try this (or Storyist), but just never have. I’m too old-fashioned outlining and taking notes in a notebook while I write on Word.
How do you typically write your NaNo novels? Let me know in the comments below and we’ll chat!
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