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.
Writing Roadblocks: What's Getting in Your Way?
The honeymoon phase of writing a new novel is officially over. Maybe your plot has gone off the rails, your motivation has disappeared, or you're struggling to find time to write. Whatever's slowing you down, you're definitely not alone.
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz tackle the creative, internal, and external roadblocks that can derail your writing plans. They share practical ways to get unstuck, when to push through and when to take a break, and how to keep making progress even when things aren't going quite as planned.
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<...Writing Romance: Love, Lust, and Everything Between
Love interests, slow burns, enemies to lovers, and a little spice! Whether romance is the main event or just a subplot, there's plenty to love about adding a little romantic tension to your story.
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz talk about the fun (and challenges!) of writing romance, from building believable chemistry and exploring favorite tropes to deciding when and how to turn up the heat. Plus, they discuss common pitfalls, what makes a romance work, and how romantic relationships can add depth to just about any story.
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<...Everything You Need to Write a Novel (It's Not Much)
NaNoWriMo has ARRIVED! Is your outline finished? Have you named all your characters? Got the perfect writing playlist ready? No? Good news: you don't actually need most of that.
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz share one last pep talk before November, breaking down what you actually need to start writing and what you can figure out along the way. Plus, a look at the latest NaNo 2.0 features, including the new word-count tracker, badges, and more!
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The Art of Letting Go
Sometimes the hardest part of writing a novel isn't figuring out what happens next. It's accepting that the brilliant scene you planned, the character you love, or even the entire story you've been working on just isn't going to work out the way you imagined. And that's okay!
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz talk about the art of letting go, from abandoning old projects and beloved ideas to making peace with unexpected changes in your story. They explore the importance of staying flexible, accepting that your creative priorities can change, and recognizing that even the...
Tropes We Love: The Reluctant Hero (I didn't sign up for this!)
Not every hero dreams of saving the world. Some would much rather stay home, mind their own business, and let literally anyone else deal with the impending disaster. But there's something especially compelling about watching a character who wants nothing to do with the adventure end up right in the middle of it.
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz dive into one of their favorite storytelling tropes: the reluctant hero. They explore why these characters are so relatable, what makes their journeys satisfying, and how to keep a reluctant protagonist from becoming a passive one. Plus...
The Shiny New Idea Dilemma
Every November brings a familiar dilemma: do you start something brand new, or return to that unfinished novel that's been sitting in your drafts folder since last year (or the year before that)? Starting something new can be exciting, but when you've already got a story you love, it can be surprisingly hard to convince yourself to move on.
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz talk about the challenge of choosing a NaNoWriMo project, especially when an old idea is still taking up space in your head. They share their favorite ways to get excited about...
We Tried NaNoWriMo on a Boat
After 20 years of NaNoWriMo, Kristina decided her 20th win deserved a slightly bigger celebration. So last November, she brought six friends (including Liz!) on a cruise, where they attempted to balance vacationing, exploring, and, you know, writing an entire novel.
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz recap the trip and all the ways they improvised their way through doing NaNoWriMo at sea, from unreliable internet to creative methods of tracking their word counts on the ship. They share what worked, what definitely didn’t, their favorite moments from the cruise, and whether they’d ever try writ...
Tropes We Love: The Big Twist (It was Earth all along!)
There’s nothing quite like a twist that makes you want to immediately go back and reread the entire story. But what separates a reveal that makes everything click into place from one that just makes you want to throw the book across the room?
In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz dig into "The Big Twist", including audience expectations, dramatic irony, planting clues without giving the game away, and how to make readers feel fooled without making them feel cheated. Plus, they talk about some of their favorite twists, the ones that absolutely did not work, an...
Season 8: Here we go again!
We’re back for Season 8! Liz and Kristina catch up on what they’ve been up to since last season, share what’s coming to the podcast this year, and begin the annual tradition of confidently speculating about what they might write this November before immediately changing their minds.
New projects! Big plans! Questionable decisions! It’s good to be back.
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Falling behind? Here's a pep talk for you!
There are only 4 days left... and things might be looking pretty grim. But THERE IS STILL TIME. Our resident come-back queen, Liz Leo, recorded a special espiode today for everyone who needs a gently nudge in the right direction, or perhaps a swift kick in the pants.
Take a moment to listen to her empassioned pep talk, and then get back to work!
When the shine wears off and you still have 45,000 words to go
Okay I'll admit, this episode was supposed to go out a week ago. So pretend every time we talk about the 5k slump, we're actually talking about the... 15k slump.
Either way, being in a writing slump can be tricky, especially when you're starting to realize things aren't working quite as well as you envisioned it and there's so, so many words left to write and should you even call yourself a writer why did you sign UP for this again writing is the worst!? Phew. Breathe. We've all been there. Your hosts Liz and Kristina have...
How to stay focused and block out immediate distractions while writing
November is here! Are you ready? Too bad, we all have to start writing anyway!
In today's episode, your hosts Kristina and Liz discuss how to buckle down and get words written, despite the many distractions out there vying for your attention.
HAPPY NANOWRIMO, ALL! Best of luck on your stories!
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100% Writer-approved novel outlining MAD LIBS!
There are only 3 days until NaNoWriMo begins! If you're scrambling like we are, we've got a tool that might help: MAD LIBS!
All joking aside - in today's episode, your hosts Kristina and Liz realize the silly outlining mad lib they created is shockingly useful, and might have just helped them stumble upon Liz's next great American novel concept.
Try the madlib for yourself here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZ40mEEgE9/?igsh=MXdkZmI1cmlkMnJvYg==
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Slow burn romance: why we love it
What exactly makes a romance "slow burn", and why is it having such a moment right now? What makes this trope so appealing? How can you raise the tension and add delicious slow burn romance to your own writing without it feeling like things are dragging?
In today's episode, your hosts Liz and Kristina discuss the craft of writing slow burn romance, why we love it, and which well-know slow burn romances throughout history have most enthralled and inspired us.
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Interview with our Discord mods (and the creators of Rough Draft Month)!
Not only are today's guests Sara and Lucie two of the amazing minds behind the Rough Draft Month challenge, but they're also our Discord mods!
Join us in today's episode as we talk writing, how these two came to be our moderators, and what it's like behind the scenes over at Rough Draft Month! This might be one of our favorite episodes yet.
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What is NaNo 2.0???
Liz is off cruising the Mediterranean, so this week you get ~ solo Kristina ~ talking about a new website making the rounds that we may have had a hand in...
NaNo2.org is a community-focused hub for all things NaNoWriMo, created entirely by community volunteers and former staff who left the org way before it started going downhill. The goal is to provide resources and encouragement for current participants, information for new participants, and to highlight all the great NaNo alternatives that have been popping up in the wake of the former program's destruction. Check it out, or...
Writing Confessions (Featuring listener participation by YOU!)
What's your deepest, darkest writing secret? 👀
This week, your hosts Kristina and Liz tell all, including anonymous submissions from our listeners. Thank you to everyone who shared a writing confession with us... your secret is safe with the Write Your Damn Novel community!
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The 10k Day: Can you do it? Should you?
To some, the idea of writing 10,000 words in a day is a wild fantasy they may only dream of; to others, it's a standard part of NaNoWriMo. What does it really take to write this many words in such a short period of time? Why is it easier for some folks than others?
In today's episode, your hosts Kristina and Liz talk about how to prepare for a 10k day, the mental cost of acheiving one, and whether it's even worth it.
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Kristina's 20th novel but mostly KPop Demon Hunters
It's time for an update with your hosts! In today's episode, we talk about what we've been working on since last season, what we might do for this year's novel, and then basically decide to turn this podcast into a KPop Demon Hunters show.
Also, Kristina is hitting an important milestone this year, so we miiiight have something special planned.
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Catching up with Write Your Damn Novel!
Hey everyone! Your hosts Kristina and Liz are back for SEASON 7 of Write Your Damn Novel, and we're so excited to jump in with ya'll for 2025. In this first episode, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the fact that NaNoWriMo as a non-profit organization is, uh... gone. What does that mean for this year? How do we feel about this? And most importantly: what's coming up this season for the podcast?
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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, your hosts Liz and Kristina talk through popular tropes in many different genres of novels and discuss which ones they love, which ones they hate, and most importantly... which ones they love to hate. :)
Thanks to this website for giving us a great springboard for which tropes to discuss! https://kindlepreneur.com/book-tropes/
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...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 Kristina give you some #realtalk about what to do when your graph is looking bleak. Spoilers: It's going to be okay.
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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 energy or inspiration?
In today's episode, your hosts Kristina and Liz tackle the topic of how to continue to make progress on your writing while working full time.
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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 unprecedented year. Most importantly: we've chosen our tracking tool for the year and have a LEADERBOARD you can join! Best of luck this November, fam—we're all in this together.
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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 episode, hosts Kristina and Liz dive into the wonderful world of character development. We discuss how many characters is too many characters, how to build flawed & complex people, and how to make sure every choice serves your plot.
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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 their answer is an incredibly enthusiastic yes, including the many merits of fanfiction writing and a bit about why it sometimes has a bad reputation.
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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? Will winning still "count"?
In today's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz discuss options for how to still write in November without supporting NaNoWriMo, and whether we even need an official organization at all if we've still got each other.
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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 know which one is right for you? What are your options, and what's the difference?
In today's episode, hosts Liz and Kristina discuss the different use cases for past, present and future tense, and weigh the pros and cons of the many various POV options out there.
Links referenced in the episode:
Different...
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 Kristina and Liz discuss the various reasons we might stop writing at points in our lives, and how to get it back. Thanks to lovelycastellan for the question!
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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 season, hosts Kristina and Liz talk a bit about what's been going on with the NaNoWriMo organization and why we felt the need to distance ourselves from it.
Things wont change too much around here otherwise, as we still plan to write 50,000 words in November. It might just look a little different from now on.
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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 now is the best time to set your future self up for success.
In this final episode of the season, hosts Kristina and Liz give tips for the best things to do to make sure you can hit the ground running next time you pick up your writing project.
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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 NaNoWriMo (aside from the feeling of a job well done) is the WINNER GOODIES!
In today's episode, your hosts Kristina & Liz take it a bit easy, discussing their favorite winner goodies as well as the best NaNo merch over the years.
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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 Kristina and Liz discuss some tips and strategies for ending strong, from resolution to twists to cliffhangers.
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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 episode, hosts Liz and Kristina interview guest speaker Katrina Hamilton on what the white room is, how to use it a a writing tool, and all the ways it can help you.
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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 important, define the difference between character voice and author voice, and share some of their favorite voice-y authors.
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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 some strategies for starting your NaNo novel, how to hook your reader, how to write a killer opening line, and more!
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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 spend on this? You're not alone!
In this week's episode, best friends Kristina and Liz discuss some strategies and tips for finishing NaNoWriMo early, recalculating your word count goals, or just plain writing quickly.
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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, your hosts Kristina Horner and Liz Leo welcome guest host Katrina Hamilton to talk about what it takes to be a Plantser.
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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 are joined by their good friend Katrina Hamilton to talk all things writing retreats. We discuss what they are, why they can be such a big help to writers, and how to DIY one on a budget!
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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 writers, and delve into a plethora of strategies for using music to your advantage this November!
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