For what it’s worth, I’m sharing some of the tactics I’ve used so far this month to get writing and keep writing. Some are inspiration. Some unstick me. Some just get the ball rolling. At least one is a cheap word padding trick. Take what you like and leave the rest.
1. a reference book. I picked up a book at JKPL—collected poems by Wallace Stevens. Used it for
A quote (to open the prologue)—Day 1
Names (Wallace as a last name. Ananke for one of my characters. Aurora for another)—Day 1
2. google research.
Ananke—the name, the goddess. How I could use it to explore my character’s past & present—Day 2
Chinese zodiac—figured out when my characters were born and checked their animal and elements—Day 4
Energy drinks—because I explored the 3 main characters 2025 a little by their preferences at Java Joe’s—Day 4
3. my preptober notes on my neighborhood kids when I was young
I used at least one of my neighbors from childhood to give some characteristics to a character—Days 2, 3, and 5
4. my past novels
I borrowed historical characters from memory (may be wrong) including Dr. Guillo & his wife—Days 6 & 7.
5. my hobbies
I have a character who crochets. So far we’ve only gotten a little reference and some colorful appreciation, but this may come back again. All words are good words—Days 1, 6 and 8.
6. food
Family treating visitor family with their “special” favorites. Food always gives more words. And people have to eat—Days 3 and 5.
7. my “magna carta” list
Chris Baty, in his guide No Plot? No Problem! recommends making lists—Your Magna Carta is a list of everything you like in novels. Magna Carta II is a list of everything you don’t like. I reached into my Magna Carta to get me moving on—Day 9.
8. my community
So I had my character walk up and down the road (job search) and used a lot of business names and relative locations. A bit of word padding to keep me going and catch up—having skipped a day (November seventh)—Day 9.
COMING UP
9. Song titles (for chapter headings or something)—from past dares.
This one is waiting in the wings for when I’m really desperate.
#MaNaNoWriMo #NaNoWriMo2025