Use These Words to Ignite Your Journey

Ah, November. A month where the magic isn’t just in the changing seasons, but also in the flurry of fingers dancing across keyboards worldwide. With NaNoWriMo looming, the daunting task of churning out a novel in a mere month can be intimidating. But remember, every story is birthed as a first draft, imperfect and raw, yet brimming with potential. Today on The Indie Author Method, I'm sharing a curated collection of motivational quotes to remind you of this beautiful journey’s essence.

Words to Kindle Your Writer's Flame:

1. “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” - Terry Pratchett NaNoWriMo is not about delivering a polished masterpiece, but simply pouring out your story's foundation. It's your playground. Play!

2. “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” - Louis L’Amour This November, commit to turning on your creative faucet. It might trickle or gush, but it will flow.

3. “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” - Jodi Picoult Perfection is not the aim; progress is. Every word you write, even if scrapped later, brings you closer to your novel.

4. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” - Traditional 50,000 words in 30 days averages to 1,667 words daily. Take it step by step, day by day. Pace yourself.

5. “A story is like a moving train: no matter where you hop onboard, you are bound to reach your destination sooner or later.” - Khaled Hosseini Whether you've plotted meticulously or you're winging it, trust in your story’s direction.

A Personal Note: Every NaNoWriMo novel is a first draft. It’s meant to be raw, filled with passion, and probably a little chaotic. My novels often start this way too. It’s the story’s heart that matters. Refinement comes later, in the comforting embrace of edits and revisions.

Activity: Write one of these quotes on a post-it or set it as your desktop wallpaper. Let it be a beacon on days when the path seems foggy.

As you embark on this NaNoWriMo journey, let these words be your guiding stars. First drafts, with their blemishes and beauty spots, are the cocoon. With dedication and time, they can and will transform into butterflies.

-Andrew

The Indie Author Method