In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through ten steps to get ready for NaNoWriMo. Here's a preview of what's included:[03:40] Step 1: Choose one story idea to work on during NaNoWriMo.[04:40] Step 2: Test out (or flesh out) your story idea by writing a 1-2 sentence logline and a 250-word elevator pitch for your story.[00:00] Step #3: Choose your story's main genre so that you have a blueprint for writing a story that works.[07:40] Step #4: Uncover your story's theme so that you know what point you're trying to make with your story.[08:30] Step #5: Get to know your protagonist. What does he or she want? Why does he or she want that?[09:50] Step #6: Choose your point-of-view and tense.[10:55] Step #7: Develop your story's setting. Where and when does your story take place? [12:00] Step #8: Write a 1-3 page synopsis of your story.[13:45] Step #9: Create your big picture outline by breaking the goal of 50,000 words into three smaller parts.[15:15] Step #10: Brainstorm your story's key moments within each act.[20:30] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Episode Freebie: The 10 Step NaNoWriMo Planning Checklist (PDF)How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Story (podcast and article)How to Decide Which Story Idea to Write Next (podcast and article)3 Ways to Figure Out the Theme of Your Story (podcast and article)5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters (podcast and article)How to Choose the Best POV for Your Story (article)NarrFREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.