NaNoWriMo Advice Based on Your Hogwarts House

When it comes to writing, everyone has their own method of getting words on the page. But, during NaNoWriMo, your brain can feel like a mess that refuses to let you put anything down in the form of a sentence. Depending on your Hogwarts House, different NaNoWriMo writing advice might come in handy if you're feeling a little lost in a sea of your own words. Even if you're not throwing together a last-minute potions essay, your inner Slytherin or Hufflepuff could definitely help you win at NaNoWriMo this year.

With so much to worry about as you write — character development, plot line, consistency (don't even get me started on style and syntax) — it can be extremely difficult to continue writing, especially towards the beginning of your writing journey when it just feels like November 30 is the door at the end of the hall in a bad dream and you'll never quite reach it. Whether you're self-sorted, addicted to Pottermore, or you just have some strong house loyalties, your Hogwarts house typically tells you what you value and what what your most prominent characteristics are. In this case, your house can also guide you in the right direction to meeting that 50,000-word count in a way that's best for you.

So, check out the advice below if you're seeking some magical words of wisdom to give you that extra push and help you sort out your approach to the rest of NaNoWriMo. And, as JK Rowling herself once said, “What you write becomes who you are… So make sure you love what you write!”

Ravenclaw

As a Ravenclaw, you're intelligent, book-smart, and great at solving riddles. Your thought pattern is unique, so it's understandable that you might feel isolated during your writing journey, and like no one really understands how stressful this writing process is becoming for you at this point. Ravenclaws are problem-solvers who march to the beat of their own drums, and as such, you shouldn't be afraid to face this challenged head-on.

The one piece of advice a Ravenclaw should have to survive NaNoWriMo is to take a step back and examine the situation from all angles. If you're stuck on what to write, how to progress, or just want the piece you're writing to be perfect, don't let that overwhelm you. Remember to take time off, and go for a walk or clear your head in between writing. The page will still be there when you get back. Just make sure your mind is focused, and there's nothing that can stop you from achieving your goal.

Hufflepuff

Hufflepuffs are fantastic at using their patience and hard work to get ahead, which are useful traits to have during NaNoWriMo. As a Hufflepuff, it's important to celebrate the smaller victories as you write, and it's important to remember that a few words each day can really add up at the end of the month. That 50,000-word count might seem intimidating right now, but you've overcome worse. People tend to underestimate you because of your kindheartedness and good nature, but don't do that to yourself.

Know that you can reach that word count by November 30 as long as you put that hard work into practice. Set small goals for yourself each day — maybe 2,000 words or so — and though it might not seem like a lot at first, it will add up in the end. You have to have patience and confidence in yourself that you can meet your goal, and if there's any house that can do that best, it's Hufflepuff.

Gryffindor

If you're a Gryffindor, bravery and determination are your strong suits. So, how is that applicable to writing? Determination can definitely come in handy when you've been staring at a screen for the last four hours, tapping out page after page of a story you're not even sure makes sense anymore. As a Gryffindor, you're not one to back down from a challenge, and you know you won't only meet your word-count, but you'll write one of the greatest pieces of literature you've ever produced.

It's also reassuring to know you have your friends for support whenever you need them, as Gryffindors tend to stick together. For Gryffindors, it's advised that you take advantage of those strong friendships, and use your friends as a support system to keep you going during such a creatively exhausting time. Keep your friends updated on your progress, or vent to them when you feel overly stressed. After all, staying strong and helping each other out is what Gryffindors are all about.

Slytherin

Nothing is more tempting to a Slytherin than a challenge. Ambition and a cunning nature are what get a Slytherin ahead — whether it's a Quidditch game, a Defense Against the Dark Arts test, or winning the House Cup. As far as NaNoWriMo goes, the biggest challenge you'll likely be facing as a Slytherin is knowing when to stop. Once they've put their minds to it, a Slytherin will stop at almost nothing (see Draco Malfoy) to get what they want. This can be fantastic for your writing goal, but it can also take a negative toll on your physical and mental well-being.

Resilient and determined as you may be, the best advice for a Slytherin to take during NaNoWriMo is to breathe. It's easy to stress yourself out and feel like you have to get as much writing done as possible in one sitting, because that's just how you work. But, that's not always realistic. If life gets in the way of achieving your daily word count goal, remember there is still plenty of time to catch up and plenty of time to write, so take a deep breath. You know what you're doing.

Now get out there and keep writing! The reward will be worth it.

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