The week two blues may seem overwhelming, but, like writer's block, smelly feet, and getting hungry just before you're supposed to go to bed, they're also totally normal! Right now, over 100,000 YWP writers and educators are going through them with you. Here are some tricks to try:

• Read a pep talk letter. We've got new ones by Roxane Gay and Dean Koontz, or old favorites in the archive (including some audio versions).
  
  
• Take a dare or use the word sprint tool, both found in the noveling box on your dashboard or in your writing space.
  
  
• Try a YWP noveling prompt from the NaNo Facebook page.

Most importantly, just keep writing! If your goal feels overwhelming, try the 10 minute trick: Give yourself permission to stop for the day, but only after setting a timer and writing for 10 minutes. The secret? When the timer runs out, you'll probably be warmed up and excited to keep writing, and even if you aren't, you'll know you tried. Plus, your word count will have grown just that much more! Be kind to your novel, and yourself.

Off to take my own advice,
Marya Brennan
Young Writers Program Director

Write with us at a Virtual Write-In

November 7, 1 PM PST (Your Time Zone)

Team up with the NaNo interns to focus on your novel for an hour—complete with word sprints and dares.  Join a Virtual Write-In!

Tech Support

Not sure why your word count or graphs aren't working? Visit this forum thread, or read the Winning and Word Counts FAQ.