November is beginning all around the globe, which means (*drumroll*) it's time to start your novel!

Beginnings can be hard. That blank paper. That pit in your stomach over the fear of getting something wrong. So join us now in giving three cheers to bad beginnings!

Because here's the thing: the only way to get a story wrong is to not start it. In a first draft, bad is good, because bad means you're trying and getting words on paper. Bad means you're taking a leap into the unknown and you're doing it with faith and with courage.

So once more: three cheers to bad beginnings!

And if you're feeling stuck, here are some story starters for you:

• "Everything was totally normal until..."
  
  
• "He/she/they/I knew something strange was going on when..."
  
  
• "The three most important things you should know about [me/ your character's] name are..."
  
  
• And finally, "Once upon a time..." We're serious. Try it out and see where it takes you. You can always revise later!

What's up, YWP?

• Join a Write-Together-a-Thon livestream! — On November 1, we're hosting a series of YouTube livestreams throughout the day so you can work on your novel alongside authors C.L. Clark (9 AM), Adiba Jaigirdar (11 AM), Jasmine Guillory (2 PM), Emily X.R. Pan (5 PM), and Mary Robinette Kowal (7 PM)! All times PDT.

• Not feeling ready to write? Check out our NaNo Prep resources!

• Need more help setting up a word-count goal or project, or figuring out where you're supposed to write? Check out our "Getting Started" guide for writers.

• Write Meow! 4 Writing Tips Cats Teach Us — Did you know cats are secretly writing geniuses? Over on the blog, NaNo participant Megan Jenkins lets us know what writing advice we can learn from our wise cat friends!

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