How To Win NaNo: A Writing Podcast

By Kristina Horner & Liz Leo

What's How To Win NaNo: A Writing Podcast about?

How To Win NaNo is a no-nonsense guide to writing a novel in 30 days. November ticks closer every day, but don't worry — your hosts are here for you! Kristina Horner and Liz Leo are NaNoWriMo experts (and lifelong writing friends) with a passion for helping people tackle National Novel Writing Month. Join them each week as they share their personal tips, tricks and other things they've learned over a decade of consecutive NaNoWriMo wins.

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How To Win NaNo: A Writing Podcast episodes:

12.13.2023
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...
11.30.2023
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...
11.27.2023
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...
11.15.2023
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...
11.10.2023
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...
11.01.2023
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...
10.25.2023
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...
10.18.2023
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...
10.11.2023
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...
10.05.2023
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...
09.28.2023
So You Want to Write a Series
Do you have an idea for a series? Are you planning a novel you know will have multiple installments, or maybe you've already written book one and you're ready to tackle book two for this year's NaNoWriMo?In this week's episode,...
09.20.2023
Co-Writing a Novel with Another Person
Lots of novels have more than one author, but how do they make that work? What's the writing process like? And is it at all feasible during NaNoWriMo?In this week's episode, best friends Kristina and Liz talk about what it...
09.13.2023
Working on an Old Project vs. Starting Something New
Having a hard time deciding what to work on for NaNoWriMo this year? Are you flirting with the idea of starting a brand new, shiny project while your older ideas give you side eye from the shelf? In this week's...
09.06.2023
Welcome to How To Win NaNo Season 5!
Another season of NaNoWriMo is upon us, and what better way to celebrate that than with the advent of our fifth season of this podcast? It's hard to believe how long we've been doing this, and couldn't be more grateful...
08.30.2023
See You In November!
It's our last episode of Season 4! We might have forgotten to wrap up this season, so here's a farewell episode before we jump into Season 5 for the upcoming NaNo season! In today's episode, we talk about how to...
04.13.2023
Overcoming Negative Thoughts as a Writer
There's one universal truth when it comes to writing: IT'S HARD. Listen, we get it. We've all had those moments where we question why we even try. If you've ever sat in front of your laptop feeling like a fraud,...
04.06.2023
April Camp NaNoWriMo Pep Talk & Writing Sprint Music
It's officially April! That means we're camping, fam! In this week's episode, best friends Kristina and Liz talk a bit about their own experiences camping (NaNoWriMo and otherwise - who says this podcast is only about writing?!) as well as...
03.29.2023
Writer's Block: Is It Real?
It's a writer's worst nightmare: the dreaded "Writer's Block". In this week's episode, your hosts Kristina and Liz discuss what writer's block is, whether or not it's real and what can you do about it if you're feeling stuck.Enjoy...
03.22.2023
The APRIL Camp NaNo Episode!
We're back for the first time ever in SPRING to talk about Camp NaNoWriMo! Stay tuned for 10 more episodes for a very special part two of Season 4. What is Camp NaNoWriMo? How is it different than the NaNoWriMo...
12.07.2022
How To Pick a Book Title
Book titles are the first thing a potential reader sees! But they can also be super hard to come up with. In this episode, best friends Kristina and Liz walk you through a number of things to consider when thinking...
12.01.2022
Why Do We Keep Doing This?
NaNoWriMo 2022 is now over! In this episode, best friends Liz and Kristina talk about why why they keep coming back to this challenge, year after year. Enjoy the show? Like this episode, give a thumbs up, or better yet...
11.23.2022
Unique/Non-Standard Writing Formats
Are you wanting an extra challenge this year? Are you interested in trying out a story idea using braided narrative, found documents, non-linear narrative, captain's logs, etc? Best friends Liz and Kristina talk through all the ways they've gone off...
11.16.2022
The Dreaded Question: "What is your book about?"
There's no avoiding it: people are always going to ask you what your book is about. It's extremely helpful to have a succint answer ready for this dreaded question! In today's episode, best friends Kristina and Liz discuss the difference...
11.09.2022
Doing NaNoWriMo as a Caregiver
Do you have kids? Are you a caregiver? Are you responsible for the day to day care of another human in some way? In this episode, best friends Kristina and Liz walk you through tips for making space for writing...
11.01.2022
Joining NaNoWriMo last minute? WHAT SHOULD YOU WRITE?
Maybe you JUST learned about NaNoWriMo and haven't had time to prep. Maybe you weren't sure you were going to do it this year and made the decision to try in the eleventh hour. Or maybe you're a panster and...
10.31.2022
Making Memories With NaNoWriMo
A very special bonus episode for Halloween! One of our Discord members requested we talk about some of our favorite NaNoWriMo memories from over the years! So in today's episode, best friends Liz and Kristina take little a trip down...
10.26.2022
A Step By Step Guide to Writing Your Novel in November
Ever wished there was just a TEMPLATE for how to write an entire novel, start to finish, in November? 50,000 words, 30 days, every step of the Hero's Journey accounted for. Now, there is! In this episode, best friends Kristina...
10.19.2022
NaNoWriMo Survival Kit for Planners
Are you a planner? Do you wish you were a planner? In this episode, best friends Liz and Kristina break down the basic neccessities planners need to prepare for (and survive) NaNoWriMo. Thanks to listener lexisnexis for this great topic...
10.19.2022
NaNoWriMo Survival Kit for Pantsers
Are you a panster? Do you turn your nose up at outlines, but still want to find some way to prepare for NaNoWriMo? In this episode, best friends Liz and Kristina break down the basic neccessities pansters need to prepare...
10.12.2022
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Writing Groups
Believe it or not, writing can be a social activity! In this episode, best friends Kristina and Liz talk about all things writing community: how to convince friends to join in on the fun with you November, how to join...
10.06.2022
It's 2022! Let's Write a Novel!
That's right... it's officially October, and this episode marks the start of SEASON 4 for the How To Win NaNo podcast! Best friends Liz and Kristina couldn't be happier to be back for another year of stories, struggles, and advice....
12.08.2021
How To Continue Writing After NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo might be over for another season, but that doesn't mean you have to stop writing! In this week's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz discuss how to make writing a habit, how to not burn yourself out, and accountability in...
12.01.2021
I've won! Now What Do I Do With All These Novel Drafts?
First of all, YOU DID IT. Another NaNoWriMo has come and gone and whether you wrote 50,000 words or not, you've now got another draft to add to the pile of "now what" novels. These tend to stack up if...
11.24.2021
Writing more than 50k for NaNoWriMo
There are a whole bunch of reasons why a person might write more than 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo: maybe you're just a naturally fast writer, maybe you're trying to finish the book, or maybe you just need a bigger challenge!...
11.17.2021
How Important is Story Theme?
Something you might find yourself asking is, "how important is theme when writing my story?" Should theme come before you start writing, or is it something I can figure out along the way?Like most things with writing, there's no...
11.10.2021
What Happens When Your Plot Doesn't Go As Planned?
Have you outlined your book, but then once you start writing everything falls apart? How do you push through when feeling disorganized? What if the urge is strong to go back and edit?In this week's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz...
11.06.2021
How to Make Book Covers (For Fun & For Real)
Book covers definitely aren't the MOST important thing to be thinking about during NaNoWriMo, but since the NaNo site gives you a nice spot to upload one, it's something that's likely on your mind! In this week's episode, hosts Kristina...
11.01.2021
2021 Kickoff - Your Annual Pep Talk!
Why this is going to be the best year of NaNoWriMo ever and how you're going to absolutely crush it. Or something like that. In this week's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz do their very best to get you pumped.Enjoy...
10.31.2021
Halloween Spookfest: Tarot Reading for NaNo Novels
Have you ever thought about using tarot cards to help inspire your novel? Or just want to find out what's in store for your writing future? On this special Halloween episode, hosts Kristina and Liz do just that.Enjoy the show?...
10.27.2021
Writing When Your Tank is Empty
It's almost November, and maybe you're worried that your tank is ALREADY empty! Whether that be creatively, physically, of just straight burnout, the idea of finding any sort of creative reserves to draw from might be daunting.In this week's episode,...
10.20.2021
Naming Characters for Fantasy Writing
Are you writing a fantasy novel? Do you need to name way too many characters? Not sure where to start?In this week's episode, hosts Kristina and Liz give a few tips on how to tackle this very specific writing problem.Enjoy...
10.13.2021
Continuing a Project vs. Starting Something New
Picking which project to work on is the first challenging step in NaNoWrimo...especially for veteran wrimos! Do you always start a brand new project? Do you pick up something you've worked on before? In this episode, hosts Kristina and Liz...
10.06.2021
It's 2021 and we're HERE for you!
Can you believe it's already NaNoWriMo season again? In this economy?!Your hosts Kristina and Liz are back for SEASON 3 of How To Win NaNo, in which we get you ready to crush that daily word count and hopefully come...
12.05.2020
It's Over! You Did It!
Or you didn't, and that's okay too! As we wrap up a particularly strange year of NaNoWriMo, your hosts Kristina and Liz leave you with some final thoughts on what this year was like, and what to do next.Enjoy the...
11.29.2020
The 2020 Homestretch "You Can Do It!" Episode
What if you're behind? What if all of your friends are ahead of you? What if you *gasp* finish early? In this episode, we discuss all things related to the home-stretch. Enjoy the show? Like this episode, give a thumbs...
11.17.2020
The 2020 Halfway Pep Talk Episode
We're halfway! How are you feeling? Need a pick me up? Then you've come to the right place.Enjoy the show? Like this episode, give a thumbs up, or better yet - leave a review! Follow us on: Instagram: @howtowinnanoTwitter:...
11.13.2020
NaNoWriMo, Screen Fatigue and You
How to write your novel this November when you're just plain tired of being on your computer.Enjoy the show? Like this episode, give a thumbs up, or better yet - leave a review! Follow us on: Instagram: @howtowinnanoTwitter: @howtowinnanoJoin...
11.06.2020
How to Cultivate a NaNo Community From Home
Feelin' blue about the pandemic? Missing all your IRL NaNo buddies? Here are some tips for connecting with people even when you have to do it remotely!Enjoy the show? Like this episode, give a thumbs up, or better yet -...
11.01.2020
2020 Kickoff - A Pep Talk!
It's November 1st! Feeling overwhelmed? US TOO! HAPPY NANO!Enjoy the show? Like this episode, give a thumbs up, or better yet - leave a review! Follow us on: Instagram: @howtowinnanoTwitter: @howtowinnanoJoin our Discord server to hang out with a...
10.24.2020
Non-Traditional NaNoWriMo Ideas
Thinking about doing short stories, a memoir, a rewrite, or some other kind of non-traditional idea for NaNoWriMo this year? In this episode, Liz and Kristina discuss strategies, and how this is a totally okay thing to do.Enjoy the show?...

What's How To Win NaNo: A Writing Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

How To Win NaNo: A Writing Podcast episodes:

Post NaNoWriMo Tip: Note to Your Future Self

The Best NaNoWriMo Merch & Winner Goodies

How Do I END My Story?!

Introduction to: The White Room (a tool for writers)

How to Develop Your Writing Voice

Where do I START my novel?!

How to Finish NaNoWriMo Early

NaNoWriMo Survival Kit for Plantsers

How To Plan A Writing Retreat

Music to Write To

So You Want to Write a Series

Co-Writing a Novel with Another Person

Working on an Old Project vs. Starting Something New

Welcome to How To Win NaNo Season 5!

See You In November!

Overcoming Negative Thoughts as a Writer

April Camp NaNoWriMo Pep Talk & Writing Sprint Music

Writer's Block: Is It Real?

The APRIL Camp NaNo Episode!

How To Pick a Book Title

Why Do We Keep Doing This?

Unique/Non-Standard Writing Formats

The Dreaded Question: "What is your book about?"

Doing NaNoWriMo as a Caregiver

Joining NaNoWriMo last minute? WHAT SHOULD YOU WRITE?

Making Memories With NaNoWriMo

A Step By Step Guide to Writing Your Novel in November

NaNoWriMo Survival Kit for Planners

NaNoWriMo Survival Kit for Pantsers

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Writing Groups

It's 2022! Let's Write a Novel!

How To Continue Writing After NaNoWriMo

I've won! Now What Do I Do With All These Novel Drafts?

Writing more than 50k for NaNoWriMo

How Important is Story Theme?

What Happens When Your Plot Doesn't Go As Planned?

How to Make Book Covers (For Fun & For Real)

2021 Kickoff - Your Annual Pep Talk!

Halloween Spookfest: Tarot Reading for NaNo Novels

Writing When Your Tank is Empty

Naming Characters for Fantasy Writing

Continuing a Project vs. Starting Something New

It's 2021 and we're HERE for you!

It's Over! You Did It!

The 2020 Homestretch "You Can Do It!" Episode

The 2020 Halfway Pep Talk Episode

NaNoWriMo, Screen Fatigue and You

How to Cultivate a NaNo Community From Home

2020 Kickoff - A Pep Talk!

Non-Traditional NaNoWriMo Ideas

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