Each year, during NaNoWriMo, I always aim to write 2,000 words in one day. This is for two reasons: I like even numbers and I go away Thanksgiving weekend, so I lose writing time. I aim to finish my 50k total by Thanksgiving and a great way to do that is to have a 10k day. Writing 10k words in one day isn’t easy but it can be a lot of fun.
Give Yourself The Whole Day
Whenever I decide to have a 10k day I always choose a day where I know I have nothing else going on. Usually, for November, this happens on or around Veteran’s Day. I don’t have to babysit and Kris doesn’t have to work. So, we usually plan the day to write a lot. We typically go in with a plan as well. Sometimes we’ll write for about an hour and then take a break for an hour and so on. Other times we try to get as much done as possible in one sitting before taking a break.
Start Early
I meant it when I said give yourself the entire day to write the 10k words. Starting early is the best way to do it. I’m an early bird and work best in the morning so this isn’t usually a problem for me. However, no matter what time you wake up in the morning, give yourself an hour or two first thing and write. You’ll get a good chunk done and you’ll still have the majority of the day left.
Take Breaks
This can be easier said than done, especially if you’re on a roll with your writing. However, it’s important to take a break and give your eyes a rest from the computer screen. Not to mention give your fingers and mind a break.
Plus, you want to give yourself time to relax, eat and hydrate. Maybe a take a shower too. That helps.
Do It With Others
Writing is always fun when you have other writers to do it with. If you’re going to commit yourself to writing the entire day away and aim for 10,000 words, then its much better (and easier and more fun) to do it with friends. I have my sister Kris to do it with. We keep each other going throughout the day. We check in with each other and even sometimes compete against each other a little. A little friendly competition never seems to be, but we’re encouraging and supportive nonetheless (because that’s how it should be).
This year we even went out in the morning and met up with a couple members from our writing group and we got the day started with writing then. It was a fun time. We wrote, we chatted, and we got out of the house for a bit. A change of environment is good for writing as well.
Overall, it’s not easy to write 10k words in a day. It’s doable though if you focus and put your mind to it. You feel really good after it too.
Have you ever had a 10k day? What’s the most you’ve written in a day before? Let me know in the comments below. If you liked this post, please share it around.
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