National Novel Writing Month is almost upon us! It can and will demand you write outside of your comfort zone in more ways than one. When venturing outside literally, the first thing you’ll need when packing for NaNoWriMo is a great bag to pack all your stuff in, so grab your backpack or tote of choice, and let’s fill it up together!
If you’re running around town and going to NaNo events, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for every scenario. Watch my video and download the free checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need all squared away come the first of November!
The Digital
The first thing you’ll need is a whole bunch of tech. I always have my laptop and my wireless mouse. I don’t go anywhere without them. Sometimes, though, I forget that trusty laptop charger, so make sure you have yours when you leave!
You might also need an extension cord. You’ll never know when you’re going to need one in crowded cafés filled with Wrimos like yourself. I also keep on me a car charger for my phone in case I’m riding in a friend’s car and need juice. That and my adapter all stay in a small pouch that I clip to the outside of my bag for easy access. (I use what’s called a “mommy hook” for this, which you can find at a toy store.)
Consider bringing along an external battery too, because something will run out of juice while you’re out and about all day long.
And you can’t forget the earbuds! Or headphones, or earphones, whatever you call your preferred tool for drowning out too-loud environments.
Of course, bringing your phone and phone charger along is a given. For our purposes, you can use it to set alarms for writing sprints!
The Analog
I, however, don’t like to hear my phone go off, so I like to bring along a small hourglass to monitor time for my word sprints.
Next, we need our project binder, of course! Mine has everything I might need while writing, including research. I have already planned, plotted, and sorted, and my binder ready to go. (You know how I love my binders!) I never leave it at home when I’m packing for NaNoWriMo adventures.
I also take along extra paper. It can be a notebook, a legal pad, loose-leaf paper, or whatever you like to take notes on. Oh, and sticky notes! Always have sticky notes on hand!
And what goes best with paper? A bag full of writing instruments—pens in various colors, highlighters, and pencils. I especially like to use pencils to sketch out rooms my characters are in, so I can visualize myself there.
The Self Care
You should be prepared in the event you need a brain break while you’re having those adventures. For many reasons! We get a little lost in our worldbuilding, we get writer’s block, et cetera. Sometimes following a plot bunny works and sometimes revisiting your notes works, but not always. That’s why I recommend bringing some light reading. I prefer to bring along magazines and books that tie into what I’m working on, but that’s up to you.
How else do you relax? I have a favorite lotion that relaxes my shoulders after being scrunched up in front of the computer all day. Maybe you like sucking on peppermints or squeezing a stress ball. Bring those comforting items with you!
And you can’t forget snacks or a bottle of water, either! Fruit and dry snacks like trail mix are good choices to carry around with you. Research ahead of time if you can to see what options for sustenance are available.
Be sure to include an umbrella, a sweater, and sunglasses in case of any changes in the weather, too!
Ready to get packing for NaNoWriMo?
How will you alter your checklist? What will you add and subtract? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy writing, and good luck this November!
Kerry Evelyn has always been fascinated by people and the backstories that drive them to do what they do. A native of the Massachusetts South Coast, she changed her latitude in 2002 to teach elementary school in a sunny climate, and is now a crazy blessed wife and homeschooling mom in Orlando. When she’s not teaching or writing, she’s mentoring moms through Mom Mastery University, sharing essential oils, and planning superfun events for her kids and their friends. She loves God, books of all kinds, traveling, taking selfies, and escaping into her imagination, where every child is happy and healthy, every house has a library, and her hubby wears coattails and a top hat 24/7. She is the author of the Crane’s Cove series, and her work can be found in several anthologies. You can follow her on Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
