There are lots of things one can do when preparing for NaNoWriMo. During October, writers everywhere get busy plotting, world building, getting to know their characters, and preparing their books as much as possible before the craziness begins in November. But if there’s one thing I don’t seen people talk about very often when they discuss NaNoWriMo preparations is preparing your writing time. And to me this is one of the most important things you can do.

Making sure you have time to write is key to NaNoWriMo success. If you don’t have time in the day to write, then you’re never going to hit your daily word count. It’s a fact. But there may be more times in a day to write than you might originally think. Take a look at what you do in day. Are there times you’re not busy in or that you can repurpose from another activity? Is there a time that you can make your regular writing time for the month? If you can’t make a big block of time available, try finding several short blocks of time for writing sessions.

In an ideal world, your writing time would be during your most productive time of day. Realistically though, that’s not always going to happen. My most productive time of day is midmorning, but I rarely have time to write before the evening. Work with whatever time you have available. And be prepared to make sacrifices to find that writing time. You may need to give up time for reading, watching TV, or even get up a little earlier if that’s what it takes.

Don’t discount those odd five or ten minutes you might find during your day either. It might not be long enough to get very many words written, but any words you get written are words you don’t’ have to write later. Write on your phone while on the train, or waiting at an appointment. Write something while the dinner’s cooking. Even if you can’t find a big block of free time during the day, making the most of what time you have will help you get well on your way to victory.

NaNoWriMo is a tough month. It requires sacrifice and hard work. But it is so worth it at the end when you’re staring at that book you wrote. Be prepared to write at odd times, and work out where you can make time for writing now so that when November rolls around, you’ll be ahead of the game and ready to rock that word count.

What time do you like to write in? What’s the oddest place you’ve ever written in? Any tips to finding time to write in?