by Stephen Nelson
When it comes to NaNoWriMo, writing a word count of 50,000 words or more in November is the goal.
Some hints or tips to increase your word count are simple. Revising the rough draft after November will decrease the word count, but at least the concept and idea of what you want to write is a bare bones skeleton.
Ideas to increase the word count are:
- Identify each Chapter by Chapter followed by its number as Chapter 1, Chapter 2 etc. you can delete the word Chapter when revising if you want. Some writers have a title for each Chapter.
- If you write addresses with numbers or phone numbers, spell out the numbers. The number 365 counts as one word, but three, six, five counts as three words.
- I find that conversation or dialogue between characters is an easy way to add word count.
- Describe a location, house, or room in great detail. Some authors dislike description because they want the reader to use their imagination. For NaNoWriMo, it’s a way to freewheel your writing. Sometimes more detail will give the writer inspiration for additional scenes.
- Write scenes or chapter using the different senses.
- Don’t forget to incorporate the weather conditions and time of day into a scene when it is appropriate.
- Give characters a first name, a middle name and a surname. Identify the characters by their three names each time you write their name. You can call them by their first name or first name and surname in the final edit.
- Adding a salutation to the character’s name will identify their profession, rank in society, gender and marital status. Doctor, Professor, Sir, His Royal Prince, Miss, Ms., Mrs. and Mister are examples to consider.
- Do not use contractions. The key is to have more words in the November written novel or short story. You can always make contractions in December or later.
Alex Binkley 