Write Your Damn Novel: A podcast about writing a book in a month
Write Your Damn Novel (formerly How to Win NaNo) is a no-nonsense guide to writing a novel in 30 days. Like it or not November comes every year, but don't you worry — your hosts are here for you! Kristina Horner and Liz Leo are 'writing-50k-words-in-a-month' experts (and lifelong writing friends) with a passion for helping people write their damn novel. Join them each week as they share their personal tips, tricks and other things they've learned over almost two decades of consecutive NaNoWriMo wins.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 22 minutes
- Episodes
- 88
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2024
Tropes we love & tropes we hate
Love 'em or hate 'em, tropes are a major part of narrative storytelling. The important thing is understanding them, so you can either use (or avoid!) them to your heart's content.
In today's episode, …
Oh no I'm behind on my word count
You know, sometimes it happens. You prepare in whatever way works for you, you carve out time, you buy new fuzzy socks... and you still manage to fall behind.
In today's episode, your hosts Liz and Kr…
Writing with a full time job
Listen, we get it. You go to work, and then you come home exhausted. All you want to do is relax, or watch TV, or collapse in bed. How do you prioritize writing when your job leaves you lacking in en…
November 2024 Pep Talk + Updates
Generic store-brand November Writing Challenge begins in 2 days! Listen for words of encouragement and an update on the ways your hosts Kristina and Liz will be tackling the challenge in this most un…
Side characters are people too
How do you make your side characters feel like real people? Do you need side characters? How many should you have? There's so much to consider when developing your cast of characters!
In today's episo…
Can I write fanfiction in November?
This is something we hear a lot when people are considering what to write in November: does fanfiction count? is it allowed? can I write it?
In today's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz discuss why thei…
How to write a novel in November without NaNoWriMo
This year, it's the wild west for novelists who still want to participate in some kind of November writing challenge. Where do we track our words? Will it feel the same? How do we find our commmunity…
Let's talk about tense, baby, let's talk about POV
Even if you're a true pantser, there are some decisions that must be made before you can start writing. Choosing a point of view to write from is necessary, as is deciding on a tense. But how do you …
How to get back into writing
What if you've taken a break from writing and find you've forgotten how to do it? Is noveling like riding a bike? How exactly do we rebuild the habit we may have lost?
In today's episode, hosts Kristi…
What the heck is going on with NaNoWriMo?
Welcome to Season 6! You might have noticed we've done a bit of a rebrand... this podcast (formerly known as How To Win NaNo) is now called "Write Your Damn Novel"! In the first episode of our new se…
Post NaNoWriMo Tip: Note to Your Future Self
Do you want to make your future self the happiest writer in the world? Then leave yourself a note at the end of NaNoWriMo! Because listen, we get it. November is over and you've earned a break. But n…
The Best NaNoWriMo Merch & Winner Goodies
It's the LAST DAY of NaNoWriMo, which means... well, either you're already celebrating your win or you're still still furiously writing. Either way, we all know the best part of succeeding at NaNoWri…
How Do I END My Story?!
The end November approaches... and for some, that could mean getting to the end of your novel! But... what does that mean? How do you finish such a huge project?
In today's episode, your hosts Kristin…
Introduction to: The White Room (a tool for writers)
Have you ever been totally stuck on your writing project and had no idea what to do next? Maybe you need a trip to the white room! And just what is this mythical 'white room' you ask?
In today's episo…
How to Develop Your Writing Voice
What is "voice" when it comes to writing and how do you develop your own? Can it change over time, and do you need one at all?
In this week's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz discuss why voice is impor…
Where do I START my novel?!
It's November 1st! Happy NaNoWriMo! Now... where on earth do you START?
The good news is, the only wrong way is to not start at all.
In today's episode, best friends and hosts Kristina and LIz discuss…
How to Finish NaNoWriMo Early
Do you have limited time to write this November? Are you going on vacation, or just know there will be days you wont be able to focus on writing? Are you worried you wont have the full thirty days to…
NaNoWriMo Survival Kit for Plantsers
Last season we covered our survival kits for Planners and Pantsers, but there's another category of NaNo participant we wanted to make sure was represented on the podcast.
In this week's episode, you…
How To Plan A Writing Retreat
Have you ever wanted to take part in a writing retreat, but don't know how? What if we told you it could be as easy as setting one up yourself?
In this week's episode, best friends Kristina and Liz ar…
Music to Write To
Do you listen to music when you write? Does music inspire ideas for your writing?
In this week's episode, best friends Kristina and Liz talk about the many varying ways music can help or hinder us as…