Writing Excuses 18.44: NaNoWriMo Week 1- Getting Started
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Oct 29, 2023 The hosts discuss the importance of a strong opening, strategies for overcoming writer's block, getting started with NaNoWriMo, and exploring trust and breaking rules in writing.
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Hook Readers With Voice Character Or Setting
- A strong hook can come from one of three pillars: voice, character, or setting; you only need one to grab readers.
- Combine pillars when possible, but lean into whichever element best suits your story's strengths and tone.
Pick Voice Or Action To Start The Story
- Choose an entry style that fits your story: voice-driven (like Hitchhiker's Guide) or action-driven (character in the middle of doing something).
- Use exploratory openings to discover which path excites you and later return to them as motivational anchors.
Use Freewriting To Find Voice And Setting
- Before drafting, free-write character dialogue or favorite setting details to find tone and turns of phrase without intending to use them directly.
- Treat these explorations as NaNoWriMo-valid words and use them to jumpstart momentum on day one.