National Novel Writing Month is finally here, Writer! From the moment you add that very first word to your story, you're a writer—no matter if you don't have a clue what the second, thousandth, or ten thousandth word will be. That's the beautiful thing about writing: the only way to do it is one word after the other, on and on into the unknown.

So, here's our tried and true novel-beginning advice: don't sweat it too much. In fact, don't sweat it at all. The only important thing about beginning a rough draft is to actually begin it, to keep moving forward, and to not look back. Still feeling stuck? Borrow one of our opening lines! You can always revise it in December.

• "Today seemed like just another ordinary day, until..."
  
  
• "All the trouble we're in now can be traced back to the moment when..."
  
  
• "The three most important things you should know about me are..."
  
  
• And finally, "Once upon a time..." We're serious. Like we said before, any beginning that helps you get writing is a good beginning.

Good luck, Writer! All of us at NaNo HQ are cheering you on!

Marya Brennan
Director of Programs (and your #1 biggest fan!)

What's up, YWP?

• JOIN: We're bringing you two Virtual Write-Ins this week! Write with the NaNo HQ Interns on Friday, November 6, 1PM Pacific or with YouTube Guide Shay on Saturday, November 7, 12PM Pacific. Or, if you missed our NaNoWriMo Kick-Off Party, you can watch it here, complete with noveling games, prompts, and advice from YA author Hafsah Faizal. 
  

• WATCH: Still not sure what to write about? YWP Participant Pixie_Dust has some animated tips for how to generate ideas. 

• SHARE: Celebrate your successes with our writing streak badges. Share each one on your social media when you earn it. (Or print them all out and wallpaper your room... it's up to you!)
  

• CURRENT MOOD: