(If November hasn't started in your time zone yet, you can save this until it does, or read ahead and get a sneak peek...)

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.

• "It seemed like just another ordinary day, until..."
  
  
• "The trouble all started 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. 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 our NaNoWriMo Kickoff Party on Monday, November 1 at 3PM Pacific with special guests, including author Emma Kress. 
  

• Write at a Virtual Write-In with YouTube Guide Kelley Tai on Tuesday, November 2 at 4PM Pacific.

• Do some word sprints with the NaNoWriMo interns at their regular Friday Virtual Write-In, this Friday, November 5 at 1PM Pacific. 

• 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!)
  

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