ARCHIVED THREAD FROM THE NANOWRIMO FORUMS: NANOWRIMO SURVIVAL KIT 2019

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anon76435796 | 2019-10-12 22:49:08 UTC | #204

[quote="anon76435796, post:184, topic:4189, full:true"]

• Hot chocolate. Whether it’s made with coffee or regular water (I don’t have the patience to continually stir/whisk milk while it’s heating), this is my go-to drink while writing.
• Water bottles - gallon sized and a regular sized one. I need to get new ones. because the ones that I used to have got ruined. One melted when I ran it through the dishwasher and the other one I forgot had lemons in it. I don’t understand the whole time marker printed on the bottle trend with water bottles atm. Do I look like I’m awake at 7 a.m.? I know that I can ignore the printing but eh.
• Desktop & laptop
• Outline & research [/quote]

Adding on after reading through the other replies and just time:

• Sports drinks. I've been having a lot of low energy days lately and I don't know if it's a placebo effect or if they actually do something, but having a Powerade helps
• Energy drinks for if I do end up falling behind on either school work, Thanksgiving prep, or on NaNo and I need to pull a super late nighter. I am, however, limiting myself to one (1) a day unlike last year.
• Background noise of some sort. Music, ASMR rooms, rain/coffee house/etc white noise app/site, Vlogmas playlists, tv show, etc. I need some sort of background noise of my own to block out noise from Father's TV.
• The mews. Because they're gonna be all over me anyway so might as well include them :laughing: They're good cats. I love them. :heart_eyes_cat:
• Planner. I'm in school, in charge of planning Thanksgiving, doing NaNo, and baking my own birthday cake. I need some sort of planner to make sure everything is done on time. I usually do a master plan in Google Calendar that has everything from sleeping to cooking meals to church/other activities that are non-negotiable activities (with getting ready and travel times included) to bathing to writing times included, so for a month out of the year I have zero empty space on any day. Then I'll have a desktop weekly plan so that I can physically cross things off of my to-do list. To be honest, November is really the only month that I'm super organized. :laughing:
• Word sprints/crawls.
• a bunch of hand stretches from Darebee
• BioFreeze/other topical pain reliever. I prefer the roll-on form because it's for my hand and the roll on doesn't take as long to "soak in." Traditionally during NaNo around day 15 is when the middle of my right hand starts to hurt so boom! Instant relief.

anon22594527 | 2019-10-13 01:53:40 UTC | #205

Squee alphasmart!

DystopianDuckie | 2019-10-13 14:46:24 UTC | #206

[quote="YaslanaGirl, post:200, topic:4189"] GitHub and GitHub interfacing software: desktop for my windows tower and lappy, and a page with terminal commands saved on it for my mint box - Not sure if anyone else uses GitHub for writing projects, but it’s an amazing tool. [/quote]

Never thought of using GitHub for writing projects before. I have to say my computer science student brain lit up when I saw it on your list!

DystopianDuckie | 2019-10-13 14:47:59 UTC | #207

[quote="Anthelia_Marten, post:203, topic:4189"] wireless mouse , touchpads are kind of a pain to deal with [/quote]

They really are! I take my wireless mouse everywhere with me and it's so handy

Cloverxotl | 2019-10-13 17:14:49 UTC | #208

I'm a newbie and this is my first NaNo, but I think I got a pretty good kit:

• My laptop and my phone

• Wavemaker (the writing app) for all my cross platform, outlining, organizing, and writing needs

• SNACKS.

• My discord buddies to bounce some ideas off of

• My writing cat aka any of the four furbabies I have whom I love (but will probably end up laying on my keyboard)

• Feather babies aka my many chickens to hang out with whenever I need to sit outside and write, who will encourage me with their many clucks

• Music, obviously

• A clean workspace, because I am one of those people who MUST have a clean room or otherwise I will go insane, planning on doing an entire room purge before november lol

Tchailenova | 2019-10-13 18:10:10 UTC | #209

honestly it's made syncing (but mostly tracking changes!!!) a heck of a lot easier. Plus I can also use the nifty Issues and Project Boards native to GitHub to track things that I want to add/address/remove/etc. It's just not the easiest system to learn.... especially given the fact that it's really not designed for this :sweat_smile: but I'm a rebel, so I do what I want! :sunglasses:

another drawback is that I haven't figured out how to (easily/freely) commit from mobile... so that part is a bit of a bummer :woman_shrugging:

Incorporal | 2019-10-13 19:12:03 UTC | #210

The idea of a survival kit is a little gimmicky for me. I just have things available that I would have around anyway: coffee, snacks, maybe a bit of extra food but I'm bad at planning and I pants my entire life, not just my novel.

anon55585765 | 2019-10-13 20:55:42 UTC | #211

My NaNo survival kit is as follows:

• MacBook Air and iPhone with Pages (it syncs with the cloud, a vital thing for me as I have a habit of getting an idea away from my MacBook :joy:)
• Spotify with various different playlists on (typically my dedicated NaNo playlist, but also soothing piano pieces).
• My Beats headphones (for blocking out the typical background noises from coffeeshops) and the standard iPhone headphones (cause I wear glasses, my Beats press them against my head, making them uncomfortable to wear for more than like 2 hours).
• My A6 planning notebook, with all my NaNo planning things in (characters, settings, plot etc), and various pens, pencils for jotting that one key plot point that will disappear if I don't write it down immediately :joy:
• My fingerless gloves (brought some from Primark cause my hands get really cold, really quickly and nothing slows my writing pace more than cold hands).
• My scented candle (trying to condition myself to write when I light it... with mixed results so far...)
• Various coffeeshops for me to go and write in when I get stuck.
• My very cute dog, Socks, to remind me that getting outside is a good idea every so often :joy:

And I think that's about it at the moment.

EmpressTheodora | 2019-10-13 23:41:31 UTC | #212

[quote="Incorporal, post:210, topic:4189"] The idea of a survival kit is a little gimmicky for me [/quote]

This is fair. I wondered about Nano “survival” as a concept because I won my first Nano in 45 minutes a day - nothing about that required packing for. But I love the Survival Kit thread (and making myself a survival kit) because there’s something about nesting that really puts me in the mindset to do the thing.

Cathryn_Dalton | 2019-10-14 04:51:19 UTC | #213

I love my wireless mouse!

anon83243180 | 2019-10-14 13:43:25 UTC | #214

I like the hat idea. Now I want to see if I can find one before the start of November. Even better if I can find something of the sort one of my characters would wear, to help me get into the mindset of my novel.

anon83243180 | 2019-10-14 14:04:52 UTC | #215

I love this thread. My NaNo Survival Kit for 2019 involves:

• Exercise book - each novel draft goes in a separate book.
• Pens - I tend to use Z-Grips as they're comfiest for me. I make sure I have plenty as one always runs out during NaNo.
• Novel plan/notes - I've followed the NaNo Prep workbook this year and found it helpful, so hopefully that bodes well for November.
• Tea! At the risk of sounding like a British stereotype, I cannot novel without tea. Nothing fancy, just shop's own decaf in my favourite U2 mug.
• Warm, comfy novelling clothes - my U2 hoodie, thick slipper-socks and a couple of thick, long-sleeved shirts. I'm going to try and add a novelling hat if I can find one.
• Spotify playlist - This year I'm going to try and make one specifically for this novel and see if it helps.
• NaNo in Progress - Do Not Disturb sign. Because I need my writing space.
• Writing mascot(s) - My Bill and Ted Funkos. I wish there was a Rufus one available for extra wisdom, but these two will do :guitar:

Umm,,. I think that's it.

anon36522066 | 2019-10-14 15:51:41 UTC | #216

• Laptop
• Scrivener
• Tea/coffee supply
• Spotify
• Budget set aside solely for the coffee shop :)
• Scene prompts for writer's block
• Writing buddies!
• A non-writing buddy to bounce ideas/problems off of when I'm REALLY stuck

abydos6 | 2019-10-14 16:50:59 UTC | #217

I soooo need a wireless mouse...

pipn_t | 2019-10-14 17:38:11 UTC | #218

They are extremely handy, I recommend. Mine came with a bag which is handy if I’m taking my laptop to a write-in.

my nano survival kit would be:

• Advil & voltaren
• something to write on (usually multiple somethings...pen, paper, and laptop)
• :cat2: :cat:
• :chocolate_bar: & :cake:
• internet access so I can commiserate with the nano community when my hand pain issues start getting to me

Kileywritesbooks | 2019-10-14 17:56:25 UTC | #219

I love this thread. Here are some of my necessities:

• Laptop: how else am I supposed to write some amazing words?

• Word: I write all of my books on word so I’ll be needing that and plus I have my outline on word as well

• Google drive: because I’m paranoid I back up everything I write on word onto google drive and I also need google drive because that’s how my critique partner and I exchange pages which is even more important during nano!

• Starbucks: yes, the coffee is overpriced. but the coffee is really good and it’s the perfect place for me to write. I don’t really know why but I just focus really good while I’m in Starbucks so you’ll definitely be finding me there all month long.

• Coffee: Obviously I’ll be writing at Starbucks a bunch so I’ll be getting coffee there, but when I decide to write at home I’ll be making some delicious coffee for myself.

• Music: I have a special playlist over on Spotify devoted to my current WIP and I’ll probably have that playing on loop when I’m writing.

• Nano forums: I really love participating in the nano forums all throughout the month. It’s a nice way to relax from a long day and get to know some amazing people.

• Google: I’ve got a ton of research that I have to do for my book at times so you bet that I’ll be utilizing the internet to give me some answers.

• Kitties!: I have three kitties at home named Ladix, François, and Arielle and they love snuggling with me while I’m writing at home. They make a really stressful month a lot less stressful.

poysen | 2019-10-14 18:57:42 UTC | #220

• Plot Notes
• Scrivener and Google Docs (for portability)
• Good ole paper and pen
• Totem animal
• Snacks! As healthy as possible
• Soda and hot tea (Caffeine good!)
• Patience sleep and sanity
• Desktop
• Laptop when desktop isn't an option
• Write or Die for when the going gets tough!
• Tylenol and Aleve to nab any pesky headaches or backaches that dare to interfere
• My great, supportive husband :heart_eyes:
• My portable heater since it's cold in the computer room
• Bathrobe (see above)
• Thumb drives (because losing your work stinks!)
• Waterproof notepad for when ideas spring up in the shower!
• Games sparingly to iron out the tension
• Focus, though having that is easier said than done. :stuck_out_tongue:

Sunwolfek12 | 2019-10-15 01:18:55 UTC | #221

Greetings all,

After I compiling this list, trying to think of everything I've ever used during a NaNo and beyond, I was taken aback and couldn't help but wonder what Tolkien, Bradbury, Austen, or Orwell would have thought of my "survival kit" of needful things :grinning:.

I'm not going to look too closely, afraid of what it might reveal, but sans talent and genius, I think there might be something to the fact that I have produced nearly nothing despite an impressive list of technical, advice manual, and online resources, while they, pushing only a pen, pencil, or typewriter key and very little else produced prodigiously :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:.

Truly: there are no silver bullets or magic beans; it's all about my butt-in-the-chair and placing one word after another.

Regardless, here's my list:

• MacBook Pro w/Scrivener II, Scapple, and Telegram installed, updated, tested and ready to rock—success or not—for my sixth season
• Jabra headphones fully charged & two sets of backup earbuds
• Character profiles and scene summaries (for those the Muse has condescended to reveal at this time)
• WIP notebook: 5” by 8” quadrangle Moleskin.
• Moleskin day calendar highlighting regional events and writing-ins, as well as professional obligations so as to keep the conflicts at a minimum—and there WILL BE conflicts :-T.
• Pilot Fountain pens, Pentel 0.5mm mechanical pencils, and Pentel Lite Eracer
• Valhalla Coffee mug
• Music tracks prepped and ready for minimal smartphone manipulation
• Writing guides and research bookmarked, flagged, and within reach for quick reference if needed.
• OH YES, and Cold Turkey and Writer installed to combat internet temptation!
• And finally, my daughters' encouragement w/o which it wouldn't mean a thing!

Cheers,

Dorky_Pegasus | 2019-10-14 19:42:07 UTC | #222

This thread is awesome.

• Spiral notebook full of notes and character profiles
• Lots of pens and highlighters
• Caffeine--coffee, tea, soda
• Phone/MP3 player for music and various podcasts
• ibuprofen for aches and stuff from my terrible posture and stress headaches
• Google Docs for writing and for a copy of my notes
• Notecards with the order of major plot points (because I hate outlines)
• Comfy sweats or jammies for late night writing sessions
• My two best friends as sounding boards and encouragement/reassurance
• Crochet for distraction while staying creative, and to recharge the batteries-so to speak
• Snacks, usually just little nibbles like crackers, pretzels, or nuts
• Post-It notes (a ton of them)
• The park down the hill from my house because it's a great place to write and get fresh air
• My designated writing mug (it's a Luke's Diner (from Gilmore Girls) coffee mug that I got for Christmas two years ago)
• Yoga and meditation routine for staying relaxed and stretched
• And hopefully I'll be getting a fidget cube soon

CinderNix | 2019-10-14 19:47:39 UTC | #223

• HP Laptop - We've survied 4 year of college and 2 breakups together lol

• Google Docs -I still have spare space from the 1 TB they give you for free so I'm going to use tit and I also downloaded grammerly

• My Outline and character Profiles - Got my character, a starting point but no major plot lines yet so that is what I am working on.

• Headphones & music - Pandora playlist of jazz.It will be an interesting month for my roommates .

• Snacks - Absolute essentials are Wine, Coffee and popcorn.

• Food - I will order Chinese before three get 3 lunch specials and have them delivered. This should last me the week. :rofl:

• Scheduled writing time - 2 hours a day dedication min after work.

• My writing buddy Still looking . I have a 9 to 5 job so I wouldn't be up for chat/encouragement till 5:30pm-ish EST

anon26974974 | 2019-10-14 20:14:14 UTC | #224

As I am yet to win a NaNo I am trying to come up with a Survival Kit for this year.

What I have so far:

• Chromebook and Charger (phone and tablet as a last resort)
• Notebook and Pens
• Bullet Journal
• Tea, Coffee and Water
• Snacks (of some kind that are SW friendly)
• Freshly laundered onsie (as I feel the cold)
• A good spot in the local Library or Coffee Shop
• My meds!
• My writing buddies: IRL, from NaNo or Discord and lastly
• A good book in case I get overwhelmed and need a breather.

Cathryn_Dalton | 2019-10-14 20:26:16 UTC | #225

[quote="anon83243180, post:215, topic:4189"] I tend to use Z-Grips as they’re comfiest for me. I make sure I have plenty as one always runs out during NaNo. [/quote]

I've been using Z-Grips lately and I really like them. They're a very close second favorite of mine (and a much cheaper alternative to my Pilot G-2s)

nycelle | 2019-10-14 20:35:18 UTC | #226

I love this thread every year!

Laptop

Tea - soooo much tea!

Regular Starbucks chai lattes. The powder sachets from Sostrene Grene are also nice made with milk instead of water

York's Peppermint Patties - hard to get in Ireland but I love them and they remind me both of Nano and of my amazing friend and Nano-buddy who is very far away. I think I should have enough this year for one every writing day.

Forest app

Rainy mood app

Earphones

Cosy slippers

OpenOffice and Dropbox

Notebook

Nano forums - they're the best part!

Emma_Judy | 2019-10-14 21:31:39 UTC | #227

This is my first year that I'm choosing to do NaNo before October 30th. Normally I choose to do it last minute but this year I took a couple of months to do the Snowflake Method on this WIP and I'm super excited. But I think this will be my NaNo survial kit.

-Laptop: I have a macbook and I believe this is our third NaNo together.
-Scrivner: This is my first time writing a Novel in this but so many Authortubers swear by Scrivner so I'm down to give it a try.
-Snacks: Some goldfish, some popcorn, some chocolate and cake (maybe even some Brownies)
-Starbucks. All the Starbucks. My favorite writing place.
-Story Bible: Which holds my scene summaries/card, my working outline, my character profiles and bullet journal for writing notes
-Authortube: I love YouTube live write-ins (even if I watch them after the fact)
-Phone Timer: I'm trying to only write in sprints this year so that I'm only faced with the blank page at the beginning of writing session on that first writing.
-Playlist/YouTube/Netflix/Hulu: I don't care what it is I just need background noise. I'm one of those crazy people who can write with movies/TV on.

tdgor | 2019-10-18 16:22:26 UTC | #228

I'll be on the road in November (Montana > Seattle > Castle Rock > Seattle > Portland > Seattle > Montana, all by 11/16) so packing my minimalist kit into my favorite laptop bag will be critical.

• Laptop with Open Office and cord
• iPhone with ambient sound apps and cord
• USB drive
• Wireless canister headphones
• BuJo
• Sticky notes
• Rubber ducks
• Favorite water bottle

BarbaraD | 2019-10-18 16:34:24 UTC | #229

I had dismissed playlists as I find if they have words I end up just typing the song words. But investigated it a bit more and have found 10 songs that relate to the theme of my novel so I have loaded them up ready. They will be for the times I cannot write but will help me with further inspiration, or that's the plan. Might find the one of a folk song in French , the novel is set in France, may get on the families nerves by the end of November, but right now I really like it. (No offence to the French language or their music meant).

Kyrthanna_Elvendahl | 2019-10-18 23:22:56 UTC | #230

Laptop and Desktop - I tend to write faster when I can type, so I do a lot of writing on these - and one is portable, for taking to write-ins.

Notebook(s) of varying sizes - Because I started out writing by hand and sometimes it gets me unstuck or fills in when I’m tired of staring at a screen, etc. I tend to do a combination of handwriting and typing during NaNo.

Assorted Pens I have a few favorites, but honestly, I’ll use different colors or whatever is handy if the idea is there and my favorite pen is not.

Tea. Lots of Tea. Different flavors of Tea. And sometimes water. :slight_smile:

Quick easy snacks and gum But it really depends on what I can grab or have around. I have yet to plan this out in advance.

YouTube playlist or music on my phone Generally used with earbuds or headphones, whether I’m at home or at a write-in.

The forums and chat/Discord For inspiration, ideas and breaks. And Sprints or Wars. And Word Crawls (though I’m new to those because I found them very late last year - looking forward to trying some this year).

Other Regional MLs This is only my 2nd year as an ML, so I have really enjoyed plugging in and getting to know other MLs around the world, as well as getting tips and support from them.

Candles I like to have a few tealights and maybe one larger candle going while I write, but sometimes a few small battery powered ones will do in a pinch.

There's probably more, but that's all I can think of right now.

ZaraLavoris | 2019-10-19 19:13:39 UTC | #232

Okay, for my fifth NaNoWriMo, I decided to go all out with the survival kit. Go big or go home, you know?

• Laptop/charger. I mean, this one's pretty obvious, but you know, important nonetheless.

• A Lovely, Empty Notebook. Because you can't be a writer without a notebook, right?

• Outline/notes/etc. I'm a planner, what can I say?

• A Shiny, Blank Word Document. One of the scariest times during November is when you first open up that blank document. It's also one of the most exciting, so full of possibilities and questions. But mine won't stay blank for long!

• Playlist. I usually stick to film soundtracks or minimalist music because they're moody and I don't have to pay too much attention to them (I'm a musician, so analyzing music is kinda my thing).

• Tea. My go-to "writing blend" is Celestial Seasonings Apple Cinnamon tea. So delicious!

• Snacks galore. Whether it's protein bars, way too much candy, fresh fruit, dry cereal, or whatever else I see in the store aisles that strikes my fancy---particularly if it's on sale. :wink:

• A Few Good Books. Because you have to have something to read when you don't have any more words, or you need to be reminded what a good sentence sounds like. I usually have an audiobook for the car, and then a book-book (or two) for everywhere else I go.

• Water Bottle. You guys, hydration is important, and sometimes when you're in the midst of writing, you can totally forget about it. I like to keep my water bottle full and within reach at all times when writing.

• Writing Buddies. They are some of the greatest heroes of NaNoWriMo. They keep me accountable, and since I've got some pretty great ones (both IRL and over the Web), I don't know what I'd do without them!

• Coffee. Because even we tea people succumb sometimes.

• A Project Other than NaNoWriMo. Okay, don't shoot me! I just have to have something else to focus on (other than work) when my brain feels dead from all the NaNo stuff I'm doing for 30 long, relentless, filled, exhausting, productive, wonderful days.

• Time. Ah, if only I could fit time into a basket and hoard it for when I need more of it. But alas, all the time I spend on NaNo, I'll have to set aside and make myself.

NaNoWriMo is one of my favorite times of the year, and I'm so looking forward to this one! I can't wait for November to begin, but I do know that as soon as it starts, it'll be over. Anyway, Happy Writing, everyone!

(Also, if you need or would like another writing buddy for the month of November and the weeks leading up to it, feel free to add me!)

scholarescolar | 2019-10-20 06:30:25 UTC | #233

Overpriced coffee is a must. Will it make me more productive than Folgers? Probably not, but I'm not going back once I've seen the light :joy::joy:

addisonclaire | 2019-10-20 07:35:01 UTC | #234

any advice for a high schooler set on trying this year??? O_O I've only ever made it up to 11k before but this year I'm really hoping for 50k..

addisonclaire | 2019-10-20 07:48:51 UTC | #235

Let's see... this is my 5th NaNo but in all other years past my goal has only been 10k, so this is quite the change!

• DESKTOP for writing at home in my lil office with the open window to soak up that fall weather

• LAPTOP for spare moments at school, out and about & at speech/debate tournaments

• A DECENT AMOUNT OF SLEEP I plan on writing early in the morning and just after my after school run which brings me to...

• RUNNING I don't think I could focus well without a decent workout to sustain me

• COFFEE I have a super cheap coffee shop @ school and approx. 1 billion dollars worth of Starbucks Rewards points. I'm using my Starbucks as a weekly wordcount reward. Hoping for lots of nitro cold brew with a little sweet cream or anything dark roast...our coffee shop has $1 for this delicious "Midnight Roast" and another "Autumn Harvest Blend..." perfect..

• TEA stocked up on lovely herbal teas for the afternoon and evening ((no coffee for me after noon; re; decent amount of sleep))

• PEANUT BUTTER goes well w/ anything. Apples. Carrots. Chocolate. Yogurt. Honey. Bread and jam. Celery. All of the above work so scrumptiously w/ peanut butter. Other snax include mixed nuts (!!), grapes (!!!), and the occasional homemade chai tea latte with honey (!!!!)

• NOTEBOOK/PEN/BINDER for my prep stuff and my calendarrrr

• SWEATSHIRTS in case you haven't heard, high schoolers live in sweatshirts now.

• ALL THE OUTLINES AND CHARACTER SHEETS I STILL NEED TO MAKE BECAUSE I JUST CHANGED MY NOVEL IDEA TODAY goes without saying, I think

• ...a fair share of grace. This NaNo, I'll also be doing competitive theatre, tech for a musical that is literally smack dab in the middle of November (luckily I'll have the last 2wks of November free from any theater-y things), National History Day and a full high school schedule. Yeah. I'll need coffee. And prayers. I really want to get to 50k but honestly?? Even 10 or 15k would feel like a major victory.

Here goes everything (:(:

abydos6 | 2019-10-20 08:47:51 UTC | #236

Advice for you would be not to get disheartened if you have to miss a day or two, in the beginning if you aim for a little over your word count, you can make room for those days when you can't do any. Don't try to match other writers output, do your own output, we don't want you burning out. Write when you can, and most of all, enjoy it.

wonderlostreads | 2019-10-20 09:59:08 UTC | #237

This year's survival kit for hopefully getting me out of a major writing slump I've had for the last 18 months. :(

Laptop Scrivener Tea - all the tea! Coffee - inevitably Water bottle - cos, life. Bullet journal Music for background noise

cthulhusgarden | 2019-10-20 10:00:57 UTC | #238

Ohh I love this thread! Here's my NaNo Surival Kit:

• My desktop with a massive monitor so I can have my outline, Word Doc, and Chrome open in different parts of the screen at the same time
• Tea, tea, tea, tea, tea, tea, tea. And probably, more tea. All different varieties, always served black. (My current favourite is Pumpkin Spice Oolong)
• My laptop for when I feel like switching gears and lounging on the couch or in bed to write.
• My outline, colour coded in an Excel spreadsheet.
• Incense always burning. My favourite smell currently is Egyptian Dragon.
• Frequent breaks and cuddles with my rabbit Burrito (don't worry, he isn't in the 'incense room/offce' :wink:)
• My NaNo 2019 Spotify playlist.
• A stack of library books for downtime/inspiration.
• My husband (who I have a difficult time not being in a good mood around) for when I feel defeated and frustrated with my writing. My sister for bouncing ideas off of.
• General patience and self-love! Lots of inner-monologue-motivational-pep-talks.

JulieMDobson | 2019-10-20 13:50:09 UTC | #239

Mmmm Peanut Butter. Some of my snacks will also include peanut butter - the peanut butter cup variety mostly (A down/upside to having NaNo start the day after Halloween.

Cathryn_Dalton | 2019-10-20 17:05:09 UTC | #240

All I can really say is to write in your free time, but don't let it come before your schoolwork. That's pretty much what I did. It also helped me to have an outline so that I didn't have to waste time coming up with what to write.

GoToBedAlready | 2019-10-20 17:29:06 UTC | #241

1. Rhodia Elastibooks. I have to write long-hand or I'll edit continuously and never make progress. I'll probably use three of them.

2. Pens: Pilot Vanishing Point, Pilot Metro, FPR Himalaya, Lamy Vista (all with De Atramentis Document inks); PaperMate InkJoy Gel 0.5mm Blue.

3. Circa notebook, full sized, for my story bible. Contains research and planning documents built with Visio, Excel, and OneNote. I hope to not touch my laptop for writing purposes for the whole month. Fingers crossed that my prep work will be enough to carry me through.

4. Coffee in a leakproof travel mug.

5. Writing bag for mobility: A big cotton Sherlock Holmes tote, containing everything listed above, plus pen supplies and extra ink, Carmex lip balm, phone and external phone battery.

addisonclaire | 2019-10-20 18:36:27 UTC | #242

Thank you so much!! (:

BarbaraD | 2019-10-20 19:49:48 UTC | #243

Decided I am odd. I like: Tea not coffee Dried fruit not candy or chocolate bars Pencils to write with not pens

Only thing I agree on is laptop. Good thing we can all be different. Idea of a blanket sounds cosy but I just might fall asleep.

MeganRoseFawkes | 2019-10-20 22:13:00 UTC | #244

• iPad: It'll only really be good for writing when I'm away from my desktop, which is where my Scrivener is. But I'm fast on it, and its portable.
• Notebook and pen hoard: I find that I get more inspired if I'm writing on paper, but I'm faster at getting those ideas down if I'm using a keyboard.
• Desktop Computer: With Scrivener and all my research things.
• NaNo Forums: Because I need encouragement.
• Snacks: Tea, for sure. Probably also some kind of chip.
• Music: I need to make that playlist...

QueenOrion | 2019-10-21 07:22:36 UTC | #245

The more odd, the better, in my opinion!

Besides I wish that I would go with dried fruit instead of chocolate. A lot less temptation there, but hey, that's part of the NaNo struggle ;P

taylorbrown2397 | 2019-10-21 22:33:44 UTC | #246

Never really done a survival kit before - I usually get side tracked by other things, but this year Nano is my priority this month!

Laptop/Desktop/Mobile: I write on Evernote so any of these are good to go at any time

Coffee: Non-negotiable. I can function without it, but I can't think.

Pocky every 1000 words I can have a stick

GF or sister to read what I write aloud - sorta necessary with a script

Pokémon go: It gets me out of the house and into the fresh air

Bullet journal: for keeping track of all obligations outside of writing

A_Lifelong_Writer | 2019-10-23 12:39:16 UTC | #247

1. Macbook
2. Scrivener - with my half-finished manuscript and all the cards of chapters and scenes that need to be written.
3. Dropbox - to keep everything synched and safe.
4. Ipad - for the moments I can't use my laptop.
5. Spotify - i do love some music every now-and-again.
6. A Flask - got to keep the coffee coming without wasting time waiting for water to boil.
7. A dice app - for doing all those dice-centric sprints.
8. A timer - again, for sprints I'm hoping will get me to the finish line.
9. Jumper - got to get comfortable!
10. Wine - sometime's I'll need to reward myself.
11. Quick healthy snacks - thinking the old hummus and carrots will be snack choice this year.
12. Socks / slippers - keep those toesies cozy!

JulieMDobson | 2019-10-23 09:58:22 UTC | #248

Wine! I totally forgot about the wine. I like the way you think.

NannaWrites | 2019-10-23 13:53:08 UTC | #249

Laptop Google Docs Story binder Fuzzy warm socks 'cuz cold feet while writing are the worst Headset and access to Ambient Mixer Snack of some sort Star stickers All my running gear, so I can go for a good run when my mind is goo

threeofwands | 2019-10-23 14:42:18 UTC | #250

• Laptop
• Scrivener doc all set up
• Playlist
• Blankets
• Snacks
• Air pods
• Writing project notebook
• Ambient-mixer soundscape
• New catnip toys for the cats so they don't pester me constantly
• Tea
• Coffee

anon94714093 | 2019-10-23 15:40:27 UTC | #251

I'm being a NaNo Rebel and working on revising a novel this year.

My kit includes:

• My novel manuscript (printed out, 1.5 spaced, single sided= 441 pages, ~91,000 words)
• My "How To Revise Your Novel" worksheets from the class I'm taking
• Blank notebook paper
• Scratch paper/blank printer paper
• My index cards with my scenes/outline on them
• Scissors and tape (for the manual cutting I get to do!)
• Sticky notes
• Pens--lots and lots of pens
• Snacks and drinks, including but not limited to tea, coffee, water, sourdough pretzels, apples, carrots, sour gummy worms, Cheez-Its, Goldfish crackers, Hickory Farms cheeses and summer sausage, white chocolate peppermint melts, and dark chocolate
• My bullet journal, so I can track my progress
• My iPad, so I can update my words written for NaNo
• A timer, one of the obnoxious ones, to remind me to take breaks
• My husband, who is excellent for moral support and wants this novel finished almost as badly as I do
• My dog, who reminds me to take care of myself by reminding me to take care of him. I love that giant gray monster. :heart:
• Bluetooth speaker (I will be doing almost all my work at home at my kitchen table, so I can!)
• Earphones, for the times when I go to the local write-ins and still want my soundtrack
• My iPod Classic--yep, I still have mine, and it still works. I have to manually hook it up to my Bluetooth speaker, but that's no problem since I have an attachment for that. I use it for music during NaNo because it has nothing else on it, whereas my phone has the internet, and text messages, and Instagram, and clearly people need to know the adorable thing my puppy did this morning... yeah. It's just better if I don't have access to the internet while I'm writing.

Polley1993 | 2019-10-24 02:56:21 UTC | #252

I have a favorite flannel shirt - oversized, soft and warm. I wear this when I write.

Also fluffy socks

I buy a new coffee cup.

I meal prep on Saturday mornings for the week.

Have ready made and healthy snacks

Music - must have background noise

I set up an after work writing time - but clear out my weekends.

I read posts when I get stuck - discouraged - or need a lift.

And I get used to lack of sleep!! My best ideas and smooth writing flow hits about 11pm - my bedtime!!

Glorious_Mandrake | 2019-10-24 17:02:56 UTC | #253

Loose leaf tea for this nanowrimo I will drink a nice white tea with vanilla and lavender. The tea is both fresh in a minty kinda way and warm and really matches my story. (Slytherin fanfic)

Gigantic mugs to be filled with the tea mentioned above or hot chocolate after each 10k reached

Portioned Snacks such as popcorn, bellpepper slices, cucumber and nuts to snack on on the go

My planner I really need this to function properly especially because I have exams this nano. But also to track write ins and block out time for writing.

Local write-ins to both motivate me and give me the illusion of being a somewhat social creature

Harry Potter Crawls printed out in my binder, so I don't need any electronics

A dice bag for all the dice heavy crawls

A binder with offline ''pinterest boards'' but also dot grid writing paper

Index cards with rough scene ideas

My fountain pens filled with green ink to match this year's theme

A kitchen timer to help me take breaks and sprints

My Lovely Partner they cook delicious food for me and pet me on the head when proud

My dogs so I still see a bit of the outside world

My running gear to keep my head in the right place with my daily jog

A book to read on my breaks

The nanoforums to get my daily motivation if needed

anon83243180 | 2019-10-24 17:13:48 UTC | #254

[quote="Polley1993, post:252, topic:4189"] I have a favorite flannel shirt - oversized, soft and warm. I wear this when I write. [/quote]

I recently found two lovely, thick flannel shirts in a charity shop and they are rapidly becoming part of my writing wardrobe. Maybe because I can imagine my MCs wearing them, so I feel like I'm cosplaying them and that helps me get in the right headspace to prep my story.

Polley1993 | 2019-10-25 14:34:47 UTC | #255

[quote="anon83243180, post:254, topic:4189"] I recently found two lovely, thick flannel shirts in a charity shop and they are rapidly becoming part of my writing wardrobe [/quote] I LOVE THIS!! I'm not sure what it is....perhaps in my head.....but I write better with my "writing shirt" on, a coffee cup in sight. For those scenes that are emotional I burn a candle. It all helps. This is my fifth year but I think I'm more motivated and excited about this one that any of the others. Let's do this!

Polley1993 | 2019-10-25 14:58:47 UTC | #256

[quote="anon94714093, post:251, topic:4189"] A timer, one of the obnoxious ones, to remind me to take breaks [/quote]

Love this! I need to get one. I usually use my phone alarm, but as you mentioned, phone has text, internet, IG, FB, yada yada. Need to shelve the damn thing when I'm writing. Appreciate the post and thanks for sharing. Best of luck with your revision. I'm finishing up my debut novel (finally, it's only been four years....Sheesh) and when the draft is done, may use the rest of the time for revisions. Not sure yet. I'm hoping the story doesn't keep taking drastic turns....or dives off the nearest cliff......or......or.....or.... Off to buy an annoying alarm! Cheers!

anon83243180 | 2019-10-25 17:25:30 UTC | #257

I think designating particular clothes helps (at least for me) because it feels like a uniform, like you might wear at work. I'm currently wearing one of the shirts and working on some character details. Getting my brain to associate certain clothes (and music) with writing will hopefully help to compartmentalise parts of the day so when I put the shirt on, I'll be ready to write.

writingangel2026 | 2019-10-25 22:06:48 UTC | #258

I've never thought about having a NaNo Survival Kit, but now I desperately want one! I would have:

My laptop! I have a new one for this year. My old one died the week before NaNo last year, and I had to do the entire thing from my phone. I do believe that it was the most stressed out month of my life. Don't ask me how, but I actually managed to win, lol

The Novel Factory. I feel like I'm a little of the beaten path here. Everyone else has said Scrivener, Google or Word, but I'm really into this right right now. The best way I can describe it as a stripped down Scrivener. I'll have it on half screen with Word on the other half.

My Music. I've got everything from Lord of the Rings and Disney instrumentals to Disturbed, Godsmack, Lizzo, and Carrie Underwood, plus a bunch others. Whatever my mood and the stories dictate I listen to.

Headphones to enjoy said playlist while at work

Fuzzy socks, because summer's finally over, and I hate cold feet

Huge coffee thermos with either coffee or hot chocolate. Have to remember to balance it out with water...

Pens, my notebook, and phone just in case I have to look something up. I know, I know, huge distraction temptation! I've got to work on my will power, lol

Snacks, but something that's not going to make a mess, like pretzels and nuts, but when I hit a milestone, I'll let myself have something chocolate or peanut butter. Who knows? I might just have both, especially when I hit that 50k mark.

I'm sure that I'll remember something else that I need to add to this, but this is a basic, 'If I don't have this, I'll die' list, lol

divers2015 | 2019-10-26 05:09:44 UTC | #259

• google docs (for plotting stuff)

• pages (for actual writing)

• laptop

• spotify

• non-messy snacks

• full reusable water bottle

• earbuds

• pens (my faves are anything by muji and papermate inkjoy!)

• notebooks

• wikipedia (for research lol)

• the nano forums

• a cozy place to write

• comfy clothes

BallroomsOfMars | 2019-10-26 05:43:48 UTC | #260

What a wonderful idea! This will be my first NaNo, so seeing you all "pack your bags," so to speak, is both helpful and exciting! In that nervous/excited kind of way :grimacing:

My provisional list:

• Laptop
• Gdocs (though all of you mentioning Scrivener is tempting me toward trying it out)
• Natural Reader (a text-to-speech browser plugin that will read my stuff to me! It helps!)
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Much water
• Compression gloves
• Sprint bot
• My dear house rabbit for studio company

I may also try keeping a notebook handy, as many of you have mentioned. It seems like a good tool.

Wishing you all well!

WereBaggins | 2019-10-27 09:44:08 UTC | #261

And here I thought it was after Idris Elba!!!!

WereBaggins | 2019-10-27 10:45:25 UTC | #262

Chronic Illness Edition

• KT tape for writer's wrist
• Ginseng patches
• Lidocane gel
• Arnica gel
• Tiger balm
• Ringsplints for fingers
• Ice packs
• Hot pack
• Hempseed oil for brain fog
• A cornucopia of prescriptions, otcs, supplements, etc.

Regular Writing Stuff

• My file box of index cards
• Notebook
• Pens, highlighters, etc.
• Stickynotes
• Spotify
• Wolf sound generator
• Phone/charger/headphones
• Afrocentric tarot deck

Crystals for writers

• Carnelian
• Clear quartz
• Flourite
• Citrine
• Tiger's Eye
• Jasper
• Agate
• Amethyst
• Rose quartz
• Lapis Lazuli

abydos6 | 2019-10-27 11:01:37 UTC | #263

these are all awesome

WereBaggins | 2019-10-27 11:05:51 UTC | #264

Thank you!!! I'm nervous this year and sitting down to think about what I need to put together was really helpful. I might even tape up my wrists tomorrow in preparation.

Jxckalito | 2019-10-27 11:06:46 UTC | #265

• Thermite, my gorgeous laptop. Named after the explosive R6 operator because it's red backlit and.... well it's had its tantrums.
• Evernote and/or Plotfactory to write in.
• A multitude of notebooks in which I can't decide which one my notes are in.
• OneCompress gloves because writing + video games + school work are gonna kill my hands.
• Tea. Lots of tea and juice.
• Microwave food.
• Constant harassment.

Jess-Fox | 2019-11-04 19:10:10 UTC | #266

I always love this thread...even when I haven't participated in NaNo I've popped in to read it every year!

Here's my survival kit:

• Laptop - I have an aging MacBook Air I'm hoping can make it a little bit longer.
• iPad Pro - I will probably use my iPad Pro as much as my laptop for writing. It's my writing machine when I'm away from my desk.
• Scrivener - I have been using Scrivener since it came out. I love that it now syncs to all my devices so I can grab some word count on my phone if I'm stuck somewhere and bored.
• Notion - Where all the notes/research/blurbs/etc. about my book (and the rest of the series) live right now.
• Headphones and Bluetooth speaker - Headphones are a must if I'm around other people or in a noisy place, but when I'm in my studio I prefer having the speaker going.
• Snacks and drinks - It is finally feeling like fall so I've been loving hot tea. Otherwise it's water or my ultimate vice, Cherry Coke Zero. Mayyybe a glass of wine here and there. For snacks, chocolate, nuts, cheese...I need to keep it as healthy as I can so I don't go into a carb and sugar coma!
• My outline - I have limited writing time outside my day job and my husband and baby, so I have to make it count. That's why I plan plan plan, and then write to that plan as much as possible.
• Warm fuzzy things - It's chilly in my studio when the temperature dips, so I invested in a small space heater to help top it up. Otherwise, I'll be clad in lots of fuzzy sweatshirts, socks, etc. and probably rocking a heating pad or two.
• Random little things - I always have a worry stone to keep my hands busy when I'm thinking through an issue with the book, hand lotion, hair ties, lip balm, a notebook and pen, chargers, meds, and anything else that's critical to my day.

OOOH Edited to add: my mechanical keyboard. My fingers FLY over that thing! Plus the sound of it makes me feel so productive. :slight_smile:

marissaseuss | 2019-10-29 16:18:17 UTC | #267

my personal survival kit for nano:

• a cozy place to sit and novel
• a good cup of coffee or tea
• comfy clothing
• my laptop or school laptop
• earbuds
• a good playlist

ana.m.writes | 2019-10-29 16:41:32 UTC | #268

I love all of these! Thank you for sharing these. I am still deciding whether I want to longhand this draft or move to google docs :grimacing: Also, the way you talk about your Macbook reminded me of the year I bought my first laptop - a bulky, green Acer - just in time for NaNoWriMo. I loved that laptop so much </3 Now I have all the nostalgic NaNoWriMo feels <3

Scarlet_Penrose | 2019-10-29 17:57:38 UTC | #269

• Laptop

• Spotify

• Headphones

• Tea, chocolate, and almonds

• Pinterest Boards

• Hair tie

Good luck to everyone this year!

writingangel2026 | 2019-10-29 18:18:21 UTC | #270

Oh, nooo!! I can't get anywhere around Pinterest during NaNo...It's a timesuck for real. I'll look at one thing, then one more, then one more, and next thing I know, it's November 30th, and I've only written four words

Althaea | 2019-10-29 18:22:03 UTC | #271

• Laptop

• Headphones

• Google Docs (since I will also be writing on my lunch breaks at work)

• Tea (Earl Grey and Green with Ginger)

• Water

• Snacks (Sunflower Seeds, Turkey Jerky, Craisins, Peanut Butter Crackers)

• Easy Recipes (Sandwiches, Wraps, Soups, Stews and Chili)

• Pokemon Go for Breaks

• Comfy Yoga Pants and Sweaters

Scarlet_Penrose | 2019-10-29 18:30:16 UTC | #272

I discipline the frack out of myself with super specific writing/mood boards. It's not easy. lol.

writingangel2026 | 2019-10-29 18:38:22 UTC | #273

Yeah, I don't have that discipline lol...I have absolutely no self control :sweat_smile::sweat_smile:

bows down to ultimate self-discipline

autumn31 | 2019-10-29 19:24:18 UTC | #274

I love reading this thread every year!

laptop (and charger cord as my battery is down to about nothing!)

headphones: to block out the disractions! My mind goes straight to music if it's playing, so I listen to white noise or Ambient Mixer background sounds.

pen cup: full of my favorites (Energel, Mildliners, gold Pilot G2)

notebook: I'm trying really hard to keep a writer's notebook this year. I haven't had time to plan much, so I'm scrawling notes in a freebie notebook emblazened with a scientific company's logo. It's so nondescript; I love it!

mug coffee all morning long, tea all afternoon and evening candle I like to light a candle as a signal to myself to start writing.

super soft minky blanket writing while cozy is the best!

new this year: Save the Cat book/outline I haven't planned much, but I'm hoping to focus my writing with this outline.

Sunwolfek12 | 2019-10-29 19:37:42 UTC | #275

[quote="autumn31, post:274, topic:4189"] I like to light a candle as a signal to myself to start writing. [/quote]

Brilliant!

Leolai | 2019-10-29 19:49:11 UTC | #276

Here is my list:

• Laptop + charger. I have a new 11" laptop so it is easy to carry to a different locations.
• Scrivener. This also includes character sheets and outline since they are in the same file.
• Calendar. This is combination of a bulletjournal and calendar. I have timetable for every day and my own word count tracking.
• Stickers. I put one sticker per 500 words to my calendar.
• Post-its. if I get an idea, post-its are usually the first place I write them down if I'm not on my computer at that moment.
• Spotify Premium + headphones. Music helps a lot to get the right feel in certain scenes.
• Planket. I can't, in any circumstances, deal with this coldness in this latitude without it.
• Coffee and tea. Coffee to wake me up and caffeine-free tea to drink in the evenings.
• Kickboxing classes. Sitting a long time on my booty makes everything in my body hurt. I need some exercise so that my body doesn't give up in the middle of Nano even if it is only twice a week.

LadyEffervescent | 2019-10-29 20:41:36 UTC | #277

I've never completed NaNo, but maybe this is my year! The essentials:

• Google Docs! (Laptop & Phone)
• My story notes / ideas dump doc (this pantser has flowered into a plantser this year)
• Pre-planned dinners! (All of November's dinners are scheduled on the fridge :stuck_out_tongue: )
• Scheduled writing time
• My ugly lil BuJo
• Support from my lovely partner
• And some solid background music

jehanjetaime | 2019-10-29 21:13:40 UTC | #278

I've didn't really have a kit my first year, but I'm trying this time!

• Google Docs
• My novel playlist
• My huge, overstuffed binder
• My accordion file
• Sneaking skills (since I totally sneak writing into work time)
• My fidget ring
• My bed, because I get my best ideas when I have time to just lay in bed before getting up
• My wife, for parents our demon cats alone this month

Boatwriting | 2019-10-29 23:21:00 UTC | #280

[quote="Leolai, post:276, topic:4189"]

• Stickers . I put one sticker per 500 words to my calendar. [/quote]

I really like this idea!

Jennifer_Ellis | 2019-10-29 23:57:03 UTC | #281

All I actually need to survive the month is an idea and my laptop with access to the internet. But there are a number of things that make it much more enjoyable such as:

• background noise (specifically episodes of Friends playing on Netflix)
• comfy clothes and a comfy place to sit
• peace and quiet from usual distractions at home
• my binder of various word crawls that I like and use a lot
• white board and marker for tracking progress in crawls
• notepad and pen for jotting down details that I want to remember for later in the story (like a random character's name that might pop up again)

anon29753883 | 2019-10-30 00:49:13 UTC | #282

Aside from the stuff that I need for Nanowrimo (laptop, pens, notes, paper, USB) This year a filled a plastic shoe box from Hobby lobby (it has unicorns all over it!) I have inside:

2 Pairs of gloves, fingered and fingerless(i hand knit the fingerless ones)

Charging cable for my smartphone

Cough drops

Lens wipes

Extra pens

Hard candies

Tigers eye stone dice for sprints and prompts.

And lastly, my Plot Bunny Jail (a unicorn notebook) It doesnt fit in the box, but i have it here anyway.

anon45313204 | 2019-10-30 01:50:51 UTC | #283

I had started a list but I am feeling lazy and don't feel like looking for it right now. So here is an updated list from what I remember of the first one.

• Laptop
• MS Word
• Google Docs
• Water, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Pop
• Food/snacks
• Earbuds
• Spotify
• Youtube
• Inanimate writing buddy
• My dog
• Flash drive
• notebooks
• pens/highlighters
• posterboard
• markers
• Adoption forums

Aoli | 2019-10-30 04:33:43 UTC | #284

Had to go look up what a bullet journal was. I guess I need to read the book. Nice post.

Write_Chic | 2019-10-30 04:54:23 UTC | #285

• Laptop(treated myself to a new one for Nano Rosegold...nice)
• Character outlines
• Calendar (keep track of my word count)
• Spotify (must have music)
• Lots of wine (at nite)
• Lots of tea (any time)
• snacks (nuts, fruit & cheese)
• Prepared and or frozen meals (for the month)
• Cozy blanket (it gets cold in this neck of the woods in November)
• Leggins & huge tshirts (need to be able to fold my leggs)
• Glasses (which I only seem to remember I need during Nano)
• Heating pad (for my back)
• Heather Duddley (Lord that woman is Nano's official road map)

Aoli | 2019-10-30 05:49:12 UTC | #286

I love the "hydrohomies" line... so stealing it!

:blue_heart::blue_heart:

Glorious_Mandrake | 2019-10-31 20:24:36 UTC | #287

[quote="Leolai, post:276, topic:4189"] Stickers . I put one sticker per 500 words to my calendar. [/quote]

I'm stealing this [quote="Jennifer_Ellis, post:281, topic:4189"] my binder of various word crawls that I like and use a lot [/quote]

I'm looking for more crawls, any favourite s?

Emeraldeyez | 2019-10-31 20:33:00 UTC | #288

My NaNo Survival kit includes:

• Various notebooks. One for note taking and another for handwriting the story when I am not near my laptop and I get a great story idea.

• Colored pens (Is there any other pens to use?)

• A few good novels to dive into when I am at a loss for words or maybe just looking for inspiration.

• A quiet room. I for some reason cannot write while there is other noises around me.

• My laptop ( I use google docs, so I also find that I sometimes use my phone to add to the story when my laptop is not available.)

And that should be all I need to successfully complete this challenge! Happy NaNoWriMo Eve :slight_smile:

anon72571546 | 2019-11-01 13:20:06 UTC | #289

I've already started writing, but I'm taking a break on the forums and I realized I never posted in this thread.

-Notebook: a cheap one, with an unfortunate amount of ghosting and even bleedthrough, because I only decided a week ago that I'm doing NaNo and it was too late to order a good notebook.

-Pen: A fountain pen, specifically a Pilot Metropolitan with a fine nib, more specifically the python pen from their animal collection (a silver body with a snakeskin pattern in a ring near the middle of the pen).

-Ink: I'm using Diamine Golden Ivy, which is a dark green ink with gold shimmer. It's very pretty.

-Speaker: Only when I'm writing at home - I use it for rain noise generators, to drown out my loud neighbors.

-Outline: I wrote half my outline in a notebook and the other half on my phone, because I didn't give myself much prep time.

kailydica | 2019-11-01 18:23:19 UTC | #290

My favorite thread every single year!!

This year my kit is a bit smaller than previous ones, though.

• For Writing:

  • My laptop, oldie and almost dying, but still kickin'. Maybe I'll get to replace it this month, but for now it's here and alive.
  • My tablet and bluetooth keyboard when my laptop starts acting up.
  • Google Docs! Because yes, I love Scrivener, but I need something that I can access wherever I go. :c

• For plotting and general motivation:

  • Tea and soup and many many drinks because I need water to live
  • My writing playlist which right now is mostly MCR and 80's songs, whoops
  • Headphones, big and red and a clear "go away" sign when I'm writing.
  • Post its, pens, highlighters, anything that helps make the challenge bearable.
  • A story notebook with my outline and any random notes that can arise
  • Pinterest board
  • Professor Layton games so I can unwind while staying in the aesthetic of my story.

• For storage:

  • A USB stick
  • External drive
  • Google Drive

Let's hope we all succeed with our stories this year! :blush:

Kerri_J | 2019-11-01 22:48:22 UTC | #291

This is my 10th or 11th NaNo. Hopefully 3rd win! :) Here's my survival kit:

• Laptop - Which decided to break it's charging port a week before NaNo! Borrowing a friend's this weekend until the part comes in. Eek. Quell Writer - I used this program last year and LOVED it. Bonus, it's free. I've tried Liquid Story Binder, Scrivener, etc and Quell Writer has been the best for my ADHD noveling brain. However, it's also on the broken laptop and I'm not installing it on my friend's... so Google Docs is my starting back up program. It's been my main writing mechanism for poetry and so I'm thankful familiar enough with it.
• 2 Characters and a situation This is all I had for last year, and I won. I found my situation for this year's in February. The characters came to me about two days before NaNo.
• Spotify Playlist loosely based on my novel - I create this as I write, I need background noise and shows usually get me in the wrong mood (I watch mainly crime shows but don't write them, that's where music comes in) This year, the playlist so far as mainly disney songs and barbie soundtracks for some reason.
• Snacks - For me this means coffee, tea, and sparkling waters. V8 juices because I'm not getting much veggies. I also bought P3 Packs this year.
• Freezer Meals that are within my Fitness Goals - As a wrimo with fibromyalgia, I need easy things to make all times of the year but especially during the winter and during NaNo. I often buy Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, etc I plan for pizza once a week, and try to do overnight oats in the mornings. This year, I'm trying the P3 packs and some Kodiak protein cakes as well. I've also dropped 50 lbs in the last year, and I'm not gaining it back in November!
• My cat, Lilly - I got her last year right around the start of the NaNo season (October I think) and she is an older kitty who loves to just sit with me.
• My best friend - He helps me a sounding board pre-NaNo and during. He is more rational than I ever am and therefore a master at spotting inconsistencies or things that need fleshed out. He also (this year specific) is more adept at fantasy than myself and is helping me in that area. He is a cheerleader every step of the way.
• My sister - As the only one in my family who is 100% supportive of me being LGBT+ she is also the only one who knows what my story is about and supportive of it. We also love Barbie movies and I'm getting inspiration from those.
• My other family members - After doing this for 10 years, my parents know that November means writing. While they have been toxic in the past, they have both grown a lot in the last few years and it shows. My mom actually wanted to know what I was writing and how it was going. The family is also aware that Thanksgiving is a time for Kerri to write her novel.
• On Writing by Stephen King - I started listening to this last month as prep, and it is so inspiring to me.
• My Bullet Journal - NaNo spreads helped me win last year, so they are back this year!
• A slightly cleaner house than usual - I did lots of laundry, dishes and deep cleaned all the cat stuff in prep this year and last year.
• Scented Candles - Snuggly Sweater from Chesapeke Bay, Deep Woods from Patriot, and any ocean scented candles!
• Slippers - with my fibromyalgia, I have poor circulation in my feet, so a good pair of socks and slippers are essential!
• Epsom Salt - for post writing baths for my sore muscles and stiffness
• Tendonitis band - because my elbows inevitably act up this time of year
• Old Carpal tunnel braces from my grandpa - sleeping in these once a week helps prevent too much pain
• Journal It App - used as a bullet journal but also perfect place on my phone to write weird timed nano ideas.
• Notebook - to put the 8 point outline as it develops (I never make it to start with, just fill it as the story flows) and any assorted character information
• Sharpie Pens and Staedtler duel-tip Markers - for the aforementioned bullet journal and notebooks!y
• Nerd Fitness website, academy and facebook group * - Provides me with self care, fitness and even NaNo accountability!
• the NaNo Forums - provides me with advice, plot inspo, that feeling of not being alone, and other writerly craziness
• The NaNo Twitter sprints and word crawls - I only use Twitter during NaNo :slight_smile:
• Exercise - even just a little yoga, walks, stuff I do at work, etc helps me feel more inspired
• My ADHD medication * - I started meds last year, and I strongly believe it is one of the reasons I won last year for the first time since I started doing NaNo.
• My medications for my fibromyalgia * - My fibromyalgia has been more well managed in the last year and a half since I can remember and I believe my medications help so much.

And lastly, the occasional glass of wine, and (wish this wasn't true...) but cigarettes. Now, I'm not advocating going out and starting smoking for NaNo sake, but I've found if I try to quit around NaNo time or before... I will be too stifled and stress to actually write.

StarEyed | 2019-11-03 15:30:41 UTC | #294

I am still working 41+ hours a week while doing this...

I have a bujo I'm working with,

An over abundance of index cards with push pins and a cork board.

Coffee an water are a must

Skitz the orange tabby cat,

My client/roommate,/S.O.

Numerous visits to dialysis and frequent visits from the state and city to make sure he is okay since we flooded last month. My plate is full but who really needs sleep, it is overated.

I write on my phone with google docs and a voice recorder since I cannot type with severly arthritic hands. I almost feel like I'm cheating but the writing is not any easier.

samcan | 2019-11-04 00:05:38 UTC | #296

[quote="anon73487077, post:164, topic:4189"] Now that I’m working on a Cyberpunk Racing novel, I play… I play MarioKart. [/quote]

Because what we really need is a new Cyberpunk Mario Kart racing game.

samcan | 2019-11-04 00:14:06 UTC | #297

ThinkPad X270 laptop, codename: Mars. My old laptop, my ThinkPad L420 (codename: Mercury), kept overheating so I purchased this one. The keyboard is pretty good, and it's really thin and light which is nice for hauling it around to work and sundry. (My desktop's codename is Venus, although it probably won't get much writing this year. If I do, I have a Unicomp mechanical keyboard hooked up to that which doubles as a self-defense weapon.)

AlphaSmart Neo2. I actually have two of these, and perhaps I should come up with codenames for these as well. This is my "I need to write but don't want to take my laptop" device.

Scrivener with Dropbox backups. I'm using Scrivener to store my notes for my project as well as the novel text. I won't necessarily write in Scrivener; I may also use Q10, Notepad++, even Microsoft Word. In the past, I've used yWriter.

Coffee. Those brain cells aren't going to just kick themselves into gear.

Timer. Whether on my laptop or on my phone, a timer for keeping track of my micro sprints.

Gloves and lotion. It's winter here, and my hands are already cracking. I can tell that I'm going to need lots of lotion and gloves to insulate my keyboard from the lotion.

samcan | 2019-11-04 00:20:19 UTC | #298

And given Mars has two moons, perhaps my AlphaSmarts' codenames could be Phobos and Deimos... :thinking:

Iva_Frýdková | 2019-11-04 10:24:59 UTC | #299

• 15“ Macbook Pro and a charger , since my second-in-three-months brand new replacement battery is once again worse than the inflated old one, and failing quickly.
• Scrivener, only for Mac now, unfortunatelly.
• iPad with cheap external keyboard, for when I’m not around my laptop or don’t want to turn it on.
• Google Docs for writing on iPad. And for back-ups.
• Headphones — unfortunatelly I have no noise-cancelling ones. I always seems to hear everything around me even better with headphones on, lol.
• Bullet journal with my two nano related spreads (word count graph, 100 blocks, notes and word sprints).
• Pocket Moleskine, my fellow writer’s notebook for when I need to figure out a plot hole(s) or jot down new ideas.
• black Pilot Acroball – the best pen ever I dare say.
• Mildliners — the only highlighters that do not bleed through.
• Spotify & Noisli.
• Fruit tea, coffee and occasionally coke.
• Warmers aka rice heating pad, warm socks, blankets. I’m chilly all the time.
• Lotion to fight away the atopic eczema on my hands should it strike. And I know it’s going to.
• Ametyst stone I use as an amulet of sort. Got it from my late grandpa over 20 years ago.
• Glasses. While I was functioning just fine with none for years, the moment I started wearing them, I can’t see anything without them now.
• Family, of course — for letting me write most of the time. And distracting me other times.
• Don, our Australian Shepherd, who always wants to play when I sit down to write. I suspect he’s a cat in disguise :)

claretgb | 2019-11-04 10:49:55 UTC | #300

Oh, how exciting of a topic! I have a very varying NaNo survival kit, but for sure it is going to include the following things:

• My laptop: It is the tool I mostly use to write, and I am really happy with it.
• Pages: It is the text editor included in the Apple suite and I love it. It is really clean and has some nice fonts, and I have grown fond of it. I considered purchasing a Scrivener license for a while, but ended up not doing it. At least not for this year. Do you Scrivener users think it is worth it?
• Coffee and water: I get the most thirsty while writing, but I never want to sacrifice my muses to get up to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, so I make sure to have it with me when I start writing.
• My Moleskine: I am a planner. I need to have my outline, world-building and character development notes, and I always carry them around in my writing notebook. I have tried using less pricy notebooks, but it's just not the same.
• Spotify: I need music while writing, and even though I am not a huge fan of making playlists, I usually choose either one created by Spotify specially for me, or one of my friends' already created playlists, and get the beat going. Music is definitely the best source of inspiration.

Those are my most important essentials, the rest of my kit changes over time, and maybe even from one day to the next!

abydos6 | 2019-11-05 08:56:42 UTC | #301

if that's your office, it's very, very tidy...

Iva_Frýdková | 2019-11-05 09:57:49 UTC | #302

At the time of taking the picture? Yes ;) Right now it slowly turns to its usual messy form :D Trying to clean it up every few days though ;)

JoyceHeatherington | 2019-11-05 15:22:07 UTC | #303

My survival kit for 2019. 📱

1. My ipad and/ or cell phone

2. Spark (my energy drink)

3. Caffeine Tea

4. Candy

5. Stickers.

Melissa0919 | 2019-11-05 16:30:34 UTC | #304

1. Laptop
2. Water/coffee 3.Faux fur blanket
3. Spotify

abyssalis | 2019-11-06 01:39:37 UTC | #305

Laptop Word Loads and loads of tea Spotify Behind The Name Name generators

danisue | 2019-11-11 05:23:12 UTC | #306

I love that you separated it into 'regular' writing stuff and chronic illness stuff! I might do that too! It's great to get ideas for what I might be missing! Good luck!