NaNoWriMo Week 3

I always heave a sigh of relief at the beginning of week three. Because, at this point, I have just won my struggle with that unruly plot. Now, things are happening and I can't wait to see where they all lead.

Not everyone feels the downward pull. Some of you may even still be slogging through the mud, far behind in word count. That's okay. You still have time to make it all right.

There are a few things that this week is good for in the adventure of month-long noveling. Here's what you should do in week three:

Catch Up

If you fell behind in week two, this is your week to catch up.  Write in short bursts throughout the day. Borrow your favorite song lyrics.  Throw in an all-nighter.  Whatever it takes to get those words in.

No matter where you are in your word count, your ultimate goal should be to breach the 30K mark by week's end.

Get Ahead

If you're a noveling superhero and are right where you should be, use week three as an opportunity to get as far ahead of the crowd as you can. The holidays will begin in the last week and you'll need every advantage you can get to slide through them with your word count intact. Try adding in a few hundred words at the end of each day. You can even devote the weekend to powering through the words.

Ride the Wave

Most NaNoWriMo participants report that, at the beginning of week three, their imagination clicks. Things begin to fall into place. The words come faster. Feverish literary highs replace the downward spiral of gloom. Even if you only feel a small portion of this, go with it. Ride that wave as long and as high as you can. If you have your word count for the day but you feel the story calling your name, go to it. Write more! This feeling won't be as easy to reach when NaNoWriMo is over.

Oh, and start thinking about that tiny speck of light ahead called "The End."

Are you excited, WriMos? Depressed? What are you most looking forward to in this week?