Welcome to day one of NaNoWriMo 2020!

Below is the first in a series of special NaNoWriMo themed posts. Enjoy!

Yes, November is officially a writer’s National Novel Writing Month, where hundreds of writers, aspiring and published, can get together to write a 50,000-word novel in a 30 day month. Yes, that’s 50,000 words in 30 days! Approximately, 1,667 words a day for those of you who love maths.

As usual, I’m not writing a novel, but I am joining in with a non-fiction goal of 15,000 words, writing at least a review a day. To put that in terms of a goal, I average around 500 words per review, so even though I am unlikely to meet the 50,000 mark to win, it’s taking part and getting my reviews written that matters to me.

In addition, I’m also including my wordcount from blog posts, so when I finish writing up this post, I will add that to my wordcount total for today. Who knows, it might just help me reach 50,000 words! (And I will try not to be too wordy in my blog posts, just to reach my goal hahaha!*)

* I promise not to use book blurbs as part of my own word count…

Want to find out more about NaNoWriMo?

 Add me as your friend here!  You do have to sign in and make an account, but you can then start writing, chat in the forums, and even create your own ‘camp’ with other writers! I find it a lot of fun, and if this is your sort of thing, I am positive you will too!

Find me here : Sassy Brit

Find out more : Camp Nanowrimo!

If you’d like to explore the NaNoWriMo community, you can check out their social platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaNoWriMo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nanowrimo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanowrimo/
Forums: https://forums.nanowrimo.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lettersandlightvideo
Tumblr: https://blog.nanowrimo.org/

Below is the first in a series of special NaNoWriMo themed posts. Enjoy!

Review : THE NOVEL WRITER’S TOOLKIT: From Idea to Bestseller by Bob Mayer

In my dark, shady past, I have actually written a book of my own, and edited others, which is why I love reading books for writers. In The Novel Writer’s Toolkit — the revised edition — bestselling author Bob Mayer explains just what it takes to be a writer in an inspiring and fun way. But he doesn’t gloss over the facts, oh no, he gives you the hard, cold truth. Writing a book is difficult, but with Bob’s help he can make it easier for you. Why? Because he has written and had published over 80 books and sold over 5 million, including the #1 series Time Patrol, The Green Berets, Area 51, and Atlantis. I think that’s plenty of experience to trust him, don’t you? Oh, yeah, and he is also a former Green Beret in the special forces. Is there nothing this man hasn’t done?

Within each section there are exercises for you to practice what you have learnt, and I feel this is key to your success. That, and outlining, which Bob is a big fan. Even when writing fast, (say for example during a NaNoWriMo write-in) it helps tremendously to push out that wordcount needed on a daily basis, without getting stuck for ideas as you write — if you have outlined your story first.

I feel like the author is quite ‘old school’, which is not a bad thing, it shows he has been in this business for a while and knows what he is doing.

Overall, this is a good introduction for anyone considering becoming a novelist. With lots of great tips, examples and plotting guidelines. Should be on every writer’s shelf. It’s what I call a ‘Golden Oldie’. An oldie, but a goodie.

THE NOVEL WRITER’S TOOLKIT: From Idea to Bestseller by Bob Mayer

Originally published by Writers Digest

“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs

“Whatever Bob Mayer has to tell us about writing is something we should know. His Toolkit proves an
invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don’t miss out.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks

With over 70 books published and five million sold, Bob Mayer has been making a living as an author for over a quarter century.

Writing a novel and getting it published: That’s your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed.

In THE NOVEL WRITER’S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer’s hard-won advice with a style that’s straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.

You’ll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot–one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts

Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you need.

Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running. Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to make your dreams of publication come true.

What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER’S TOOLKIT ensures that you’re properly equipped for success!

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