My (First) NaNoWriMo Survival Kit!

I was doing some research about NaNoWriMo prep (mostly because these last few days are going to be one major cram session), and I discovered that many of those who participate create their own survival bags.

These bags consist of everything their respective owners need to get through their writing process. Items range from simple plastic water bottles to laptops to headphones to multi-colored highlighters. Whatever helps them stay focused they keep in that bag or nearby. It's whatever is the most essential to each individual writer.

It got me thinking, "why not do the same?" So here's what I've got in my NaNoWriMo Survival Kit:

First and foremost is the bag itself. This is what I have deemed my adventure bag. This is the bag that I take with me whenever I go anywhere: hiking, to the river, to work, to school. It only seemed fitting that I make it the holder of everything NaNoWriMo related, since this is a new and different kind of adventure. I have had it for a couple years now. I found it at Target (#notsponsored) for twenty bucks, and I walked back and forth from all over the store, trying to decide if it was worth it. Obviously, I went for it, and I'm so glad I did. It's a weird thing to be nostalgic about, but when I think about all the beatings I've put this thing through (not to mention the sweat and dirt it's seen), it's obvious to me that no other bag is more suited for this adventure.

All right, I'm done being sentimental about a bag. Let's take a peek inside and see what is going to help me get through NaNo.

 Like any writer, I have my pen and paper. I call my small notebook "The Book of Plotting". Whenever I have an idea for any story, it gets written in this book and is then elaborated into a fully formed, three-act story. Once I feel nothing else can be written, I move onto my computer and go into even more detail to make full chapter outlines. That is what's sitting in the cacti binder. Since I am nicknaming my story "Project Arizona", there was nothing more perfect than my cacti binder. The reason I like to print out my chapter outlines is because it gives me the ability to take notes, plot ahead, and delete and add things as I'm writing. And of course, what better way to take notes than a whole rainbow of colors? I love using colored pens and color coordinating my notes. Each act is a different color and the notes in each act are in that color. It helps me keep everything straight, which is nice because my thoughts are usually very jumbled and out of order. They also are the best for editing.

Also essential to any writer, especially those who are writing in the historical fiction genre, research is important, and I like keeping my research on hand. The two books I'm keeping with me at all times are called "Doc" and "Arizona's Vulture Mine and Vulture City". The location my story takes place in is a fictional town but is based off of Vulture City and its mine. Fun fact, this was the only book I could find that was solely about this city (which is now a ghost town). This is just to ground my fictional town more so in reality, so I want to make sure I'm getting some of the history right. "Doc" is a(n accurate) novelization of the life of the famous Doc Holliday. This is the book I turn to when I have trouble keeping my mind in the Wild West and is the refresher my brain needs when writing fries it. And of course, post it notes are always important when I find that one fact I want to remember.

Of course, my computer and headphones are important, hydration is a necessity. But if there is one thing I definitely won't get through NaNoWriMo without, it's my Dr. Pepper. I am the biggest Dr. Pepper addict on this planet and have been drinking it for as long as I can remember. It is my brain juice and also what they would put in my IV bag if I was ever in the hospital. Also my blood transfusion (if I ever needed it....just so y'all know).

Now, I know not all of this is can fit in my bag (I feel like I should name it), but they will always be on standby or there will be some shape or form of them that I can use at any time during the day. Things like my Book of Plotting and my reference books will be with me all November long. I'm interested to see what in my bag changes the more I do NaNoWriMo. But for now, this is all I need and I'm ready to get started!

Comment down below and tell me what your NaNoWriMo survival kit looks like!