I’m taking a break from outlining (you could also call it procrastinating) to create the second installation illuminating my quest for NaNoWriMo glory. Hopefully at this point, you’ve decided to become a fellow WriMo too or you’re seriously considering it. To help you on your virgin voyage, you’ll find below a compilation of writing advice I’ve found to be helpful and tools specifically designed for NaNoWriMo I discovered over the last year:

• The NaNoWriMo handbook: (this is the amazon listing) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0811845052/nationalnov09-20/104-6228216-5586334 The Boarders I frequent typically has a copy in stock. Buy it, check it out from the library, borrow it from a friend. It’s infinitely helpful.
• The NaNoWriMo progress tracking spreadsheet: http://nanowrimo.nidonocu.com/ This puppy will help you see how far you’ve come and how far you have to go. Each time you update it with your current word count, it will tell you your projected completion date base on your progress history. As an engineer, I really really really love this tool!
• If you’re writing a story, you’ll need an organized way to build a plot. I’ve found this particular method helpful: http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php
• And finally a few pointers on building multi-dimetional characters: http://www.charlottedillon.com/characters.html

Ok, it’s back to the grind for me. Happy noveling! And be sure to check back in soon!