Are you writing a novel this November? If you’re interested in participating in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), then that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.

Specifically, you’ll write 50,000 words (at least) on a novel that you haven’t already started. You can outline it beforehand, but not start writing until November 1.

This year will be my fourth, and I can tell you that it’s a challenge, and a blast!

If you’re planning on participating, then the first thing you’ll need is an idea. Over the next weeks, I’m planning a series of novel-building posts to help you ramp up for NaNo. I’ll be using the same ideas to get ready myself.

Where do you get your ideas?

Yep, a stereotypical question, but you have to get them somewhere. If you’ve been keeping an idea journal, then you have some material (maybe lots) to start with. If not, then now is a perfect time to start. Go through your journal and see if any ideas sound promising.

Another idea is to grab a general plot idea and start with it.

• Two people fall in love who shouldn’t.
• Someone gets murdered, kidnapped, raped, etc.
• Someone discovers a something or some place.
• A character goes through a life-altering discovery or change.
• A marriage falls apart.
• A person’s life falls apart.

You can turn any of these into any genre you like.

Another approach is to start with a character, instead of plot. Again, this all depends on your writing preference. I tend to do a bit of both, depending on the work. Think about who your main character will be and jot down some notes.

• Describe your character’s physical characteristics
• Describe your character’s personality
• What does your character want? What does she fear? Frustrating these can make for good story lines.
• See my character building worksheets for more exercises for developing your characters.

Post your NaNo ideas below.