Remind yourself that your effort has value (because we all need this reminder sometimes). Maybe you soared through the first days of writing and then got stuck on a bout of writer’s block. Maybe you’re riding that heady first wave of excitement and you’re still going strong. Or maybe you haven’t started yet, and feel more anxious about falling behind with each passing day. All of these writing experiences, and everything in between, are valid.

Remember that your goal should be working for you, not the other way around. If you’re behind your goal and are not sure that you’ll be able to catch up, ignore that voice that’s saying you’re already past the point of no return. Silence the whisper that says it’s easier to just abandon ship. Remind yourself that it’s smart to adjust your goal if you need to.

If you make any progress on your writing project this July—and whether that means 15 minutes spent on writing, or 10,000 words under your belt—we count that as a win. Your project is worth your time. You can do this. We’re rooting for you all the way.

With bravery, optimism, and a lot of very loud cheering,

Katharine Gripp
NaNoWriMo Communications Manager