Welcome to the first day of National Novel Writing Month! Let the ridiculous ride through your imaginations begin.
But, before you begin writing (or continue, if you have already started), there a few things you should add to your NaNo-profile. The first is your word-count goal. I am sure you have already decided on your goal, but now it is time to make it official. Just go to “Edit Profile,” then click the “Author Info” tab. When you scroll down, you will find the box where you can add your word-count goal. You will be able to edit this number up until the November 15. After that, the number will lock. If you don’t set your word-count goal by November 15, you will be stuck with the default word-count goal, which is 50,000 words!
There are two other new features under the “Author Info” tab that we would like you to know about. The first is the “word-count” box. Until next week, entering your word-count progress will be on the honor system. Type the number of words you have written in that box as often as you like! The second feature is the novel excerpt box. If you would like to show off your novel-in-progress to the rest of the YWP NaNo-community, cut and paste sections of your novel in the box and hit “Submit.” Your excerpt will show up on your profile.
Good luck with those first lines and beginnings. Things might seem clunky at first, but don’t let that stop you! Just keep writing, and writing, and writing!
Happy noveling!
Tavia
