1) Get a Head Start

You can't start writing your manuscript until midnight on November 1st, but you can start developing your story.

• Use the project notebook to collect story ideas and research links. When you decide on a story line, jot down some notes about why it excites you: They'll be useful for week two when you get stuck.
• Use the built-in story sheets to sketch your plot, characters, and settings. The better you understand your story world, the faster the words will flow.

2) Write Write Write

The goal? Getting words on the page. No more. No less.

• Use the novel template. It is set up with a standard manuscript format so you don't have to waste time with formatting.
• Take advantage of the Tab and Return key shortcuts. They make adding chapters and sections as simple as typing a key or two.
• If you need to check your notes, use the fast, project-wide search and Wiki-style linking to get you to to the information you are looking for—and back—before you lose your train of thought.

3) Stay On Track

1667 words a day. That's all it takes. Keep an eye on your word count and you'll be wearing the golden crown on December 1st.

• Use the Writing Goals Inspector to set and track word count goals. The live word count at the bottom of your manuscript page also helps track your progress.
• Need an extra 500 words to reach your daily goal? Use the per-section word count to find a light section to grow or use the Writing Goals Inspector to setup a timed writing “sprint”.

4) Talk With Other Writers

Stuck on a particular section? Want some encouragement? Just need a break? Visit the NaNoWriMo area in the Storyist Forums and trade stories with other Storyist users who are participating in NaNoWriMo.