I know this is still a few days early, but I wanted to welcome everyone to NaPoWriMo 2020! You may (or may not) have noticed we're looking a little bit different That is because we have gained enough in donations to go Super Group Status. Thank you to everyone who donated and shared the word around. I'm so thrilled that we finally have Super Group Status -- I really think this group deserves it. Once again, thanks for all of your support in this endeavor. Now, onto some business! The bulk of this journal will be my usual Tips and Tricks, as people tend to really enjoy those. I post it yearly because we do end up with some newcomers every NaPo, so feel free to disregard these if you're not in need of these tips, feel free to ignore the second half of this journal Before we get to that though, a few things.

I will be posting a poll in a moment, to get an idea about what people would like to see for the discord. While it can and will be used as a general hangout spot for people while they're writing or just whenever throughout the month -- we would like to use it for other reasons. So far we are thinking it could be used for writing activities, a space for getting critiques/comments, or misc fun events we could put on periodically throughout the month. We basically wanna see if anyone is interested in some activities for the discord, so please keep an eye out for that poll tonight We'll have more information on the discord in a few days. We will also include information on what it is, and how to use it, for those who are interested in joining us but may not know much about it. We hope that you will pop in once it's up, and say hey

Challenge 1 will be posted on Sunday
The NaPo month long activity will be announced on Monday
Week 1 Prompts will be posted on Tuesday! 
Does anyone know how to make journal skins? One for this group would be amazing (and I'm bad at things so I can't do it myself)

One last note:

I just wanted to personally thank everyone who will be joining us this year. I know things are really crazy right now, and a lot of people are in various stages of distress. When I realized NaPo was approaching, I think that was the happiest I had been in awhile. I think I (and maybe others) need some normalcy in these uncertain times. I hope to bring some fun to you, even if it's just for 30 days. NaPo is the one time of the year I feel useful, so this is really needed right now I will do my best to make this the best NaPo yet, or at least let it be a distraction from everything that's happening. Let's make this a good month. You guys are the best.  

I think that's all the news for the time being! So, time for some tips! I hope these are useful for those who need it. This is my 8th consecutive NaPo, and I STILL find myself reading these briefly before Day 1. Or maybe that's just me

Tips to tackle NaPoWriMo 2020 (and beyond) like a boss: 

1. No guilt. : One of the most important. If you walk into the challenge worried about missing a day, or writing a bad poem, you're not going to make it. The point of 30/30 is to stretch your brain, not hurt your own feelings. If you fall off the horse, just get back on. It’s as simple as that. Besides, you can catch up on pieces if need be. But don't worry so much about the numbers. The numbers are not why we're here (not really). So seriously, don't worry about it. I was literally an entire week behind last year and STILL managed to complete the full 30. You got this. Just do what you can, and enjoy the experience. 

2. Fully commit. At the same time, while we are eradicating the guilt of being human and the small snags that may arise, we are also going to commit. Part of what makes 30/30 such a fruitful experience is the marathon-like nature of the work. We want to get sweaty, lose our breaths, feel our heartbeat grow stronger and louder and take big leaps in our ability to self-discipline. What do they say? Go hard or go home. In this case, you can go even hard at home. We're all stuck at home anyway, so may as well take advantage. But whatever you do, just keep writing. Make a pact with yourself. If you've fallen off the horse in previous years, and quit...let this be the year that you'll keep going. It IS a challenge, after all. Don't be afraid to rise to it. 

3. Let it be a ritual. As we’ve established, writing for 30 days in a row is no small task. It takes a lot of energy and commitment to carve out the time, especially with a fluctuating and/or busy schedule. Planning other rituals to accompany your writing time will help the experience become joyful. Brew a cup of hot coffee in the morning and write by the window in your favorite chair. Think of ideas while you're doing chores around the house. Whatever makes it feel good, for your own development, a space to honor yourself and a treat in your tiresome day- do that. If you're a scheduling type of person like me, I find it helpful to add in a chunk of time where I will commit to writing. So, if you use a planner (or something like Trello), make a specific time bracket for writing and then commit to it. If you're not really into that sort of thing, just try to find time to write that coincides with things you already do like the examples listed. I like to write early in the morning BEFORE my day has started, so that way if my day gets super busy with this or that-- I know that my poem has already been finished so I don't have to worry about squeezing time in. 

4. Keep it small.  Or don't be afraid to do so. Not all of your poems, or any, have to be big. Even if it is a few lines (perfect time to try haiku or other minimalist poetry, I'd say) it's still just as good as a 21 liner.

5. Don't stress about editing.  In May, I promise you’ll have the time (and fresh eyes) to chop away, add new lines, combine poems and become a mad poem scientist. But your journey now is to simply get the words down. And let go. And move on. It will help keep you in the flow and not getting caught in that dreadful, stalling perfectionism us writers are known for. It also will help you take the ego out of the work. We are not here to make ourselves look good. We are here to write. And that’s it. (And honestly, you'll be surprised how GOOD your writing may be when you stop worrying so much. I've written some of my best poetry in past NaPo's. Seriously.) Edit: Looking at my NaPo 2019 pieces, this is STILL true

6. Prep with a list of topics. Not necessary, but might prove to be helpful for some writers.

7. Utilize prompts. If your ideas run dry, why not dip into some writing prompts? Each week I'll be posting a journal full of them and there's MANY on the internet. One great resource is the official 
website: www.napowrimo.net/

8. Be adventurous. I use NaPo as a time to try different writing styles I'd normally be too fearful to try the rest of the year. My first NaPo was the first time I had ever written Haiku, and I've been writing Haiku (and participating in HaikuWriMo) ever since. Since this isn't about perfectionism, why not? Let NaPo be a reason to expand your horizons, without fear of failure. 

9. Digital vs. Notebook. Pick your poison ahead of time  Some people are strictly physical notebook/paper ONLY sort of poets, while others like to utilize the benefits of a digital age. Whatever you enjoy, decide before NaPo begins and make sure to be set up properly. If you can't find your trusty poetry notepad, now's a good time to realize it's lost and not on Day 1. If you're more into writing on word processors, decide what one works best for you before Day 1 as well--unless you have one you already use  There are many to choose from, and a lot of them come with features such a eliminating distractions (like pulling up browsers, etc)--so do your homework now instead of later!

10. Prizes:  Do NOT worry about prizes.  Prizes are awesome, for sure. But don't just write for the sake of wanting to be in the prize pack at the end of NaPo. Write as if there aren't ANY prizes involved with this group, because writing in a hurry to try to get all 30 done so that you get prizes defeats the purpose. I mean if it's a motivator to get you up and going so that you CAN write, by all means. But don't let it be the sole reason. 

11. Peruse through the gallery.  If you're struggling for inspiration, take a gander and what others are writing. Sometimes a line may stand out and inspire you to write! Also, while you're there, maybe give a comment. It means a lot to someone doing their first NaPo (or even a seasoned vet) to get a comment on a NaPo piece. Comments on Lit are hard to come by as it is, and it's even more so when it seems like EVERYONE is writing a poem a day for an entire month  

12. Reach out if you need help. If you're stuck, or are confused about something regarding NaPo (or this group): there's a wealth of information right here for you! The people who participate in NaPo every year are all wonderful and kind individuals. The admin team are 10/10, and I'm pretty alright most days  So please, don't feel bad if you're new and don't understand something. Or you're just plain uninspired. Let us be here for you. We've all been in your position at one point or another.  

If you have any other ideas, feel free to share them here for others to see. Let's get the conversation going  Think of this group, and NaPoWriMo as both a way to grow as a writer, and to grow within the writing community.

Happy Writing and Welcome to NaPoWriMo 2020 (early-ish)! 

-M-