What I learned from last year's NaNoWriMo

1. Start writing on Day 1. Write every day. Don't get lazy and start taking days off. Don't let your word count slide and think you can catch up later. It may be possible, but it's bloody hard. Trust me, you don't want to be trying to write 10,000 words in the last two days.

2. Don't get hung up about quality. If you do, you will get blocked and your output will slow to a trickle. Just write. Do you really think everyone else is turning out deathless prose? Remember, you have the rest of the year to revise. What you want right now are those fifty thousand words.

3. Check out the forums for inspiration and encouragement when you feel the need. There's nothing quite so motivating as being among other people who are working hard for the same thing you are. And just being part of the community reminds you again why you're doing this in the first place.

I can't believe there are less than five hours to go. What the hell happened to October?