How to write a novel in 30 days

I may not be an expert, having only done this once myself, but I am likely, out of the people you know, the most qualified to give advice on this matter.  The reason I decided to bring this up now even though we are still about seven months away from NaNoWriMo is because this is the perfect time to begin.  No, don't begin writing.  Begin thinking.  If you began writing that would defeat the purpose of writing a novel in a month.  That does bring me to my first bit of advice.

Have a well thought out idea.  I am sure there are some who with what amounts to the bare bones of a plot can bang out the needed 50,000 words in 30 days, but I don't think I am one of them and you are probably not either.  'The Death of Harold Hartline' started as a short story idea about ten years ago.  Over the years the idea changed a little, but the basic concept was the same.  When the time came to put fingers to keyboard it seemed to flow easily.  By then it was an old friend and could not have been simpler.

The second secret would be to write whenever possible and especially when the mood strikes you.  This is sometimes easier said than done, I know, but it is needed.  I am not going to be one of those who will tell you that you should be writing every day (you should, but I know I don't so who am I to tell you that?).  Or that you need to set aside a specific time.  These are unrealistic ideas.  I would find myself writing at 3 am on some mornings and then waking a few hours later to write some more.  Other times I would chain myself to the desk at noon to bang out a thousand words.  Then there would be times when I was writing sentences and paragraphs on napkins in restaurants.  You never know when the bug will bite so be ready, but don't force it because it will stifle your creativity and you'll probably start to resent the story you're trying to tell.  The world wants to hear it.  Let them.

That is how I did it.  A well conceived idea and writing as often as possible, but especially when I felt motivated.  It seems so easy now, but I can tell you it wasn't.  Do I think anyone can do it? Yes.  Do I think everyone will? No.  If you are one of the few that has the drive and discipline, join me in November.