1. An account!
Sign up for NaNoWriMo and get used to the site! You’ll be able to track your stats, connect with other writers, and get some graphics so that you can tell everyone about how you’re going to write a book in November!
2. A brand new pen
Of course you need a new pen. A Pilot Metropolitan is a great starter fountain pen, and just what you need to get started on a truly unhealthy pen habit.
3. Ink!
After all, what good is a fancy pen if you don’t have any ink to write with? I’d suggest getting a fun colour to start to inspire you to use it and get you in the mood to write your novel.
4. A pretty notebook
You’re writing a book! Of course you’re going to need a new notebook to capture all of your ideas and organize your thoughts into something brilliant. And you deserve something nice to write in now that you’ve gotten yourself that fancy pen.
A caveat: You’re not actually going to use the beautiful notebook. It’s too pretty for this rough idea. You’ll save it for a really good idea later.
5. A workbook to actually use
This is either going to be a cheap notebook from the dollar store or something a little more structured like the above. I’m biased in that I made this one for my own plotting, but it has all the bits I need to do my story planning and prep for the month.
6. Snacks
Take a little bit of time to consider what you’re going to be eating during those long sessions. You may get to a point where you don’t want to leave the keyboard, but you’re also in need of a little sustenance. I suggest something that isn’t going to melt or get on your hands.
Alternately, chopsticks for messier snack foods.
7. Drinks
It’s also good to have a drink on hand. Now is a great time to stock up on that coffee or tea you like so you don’t run out when you’re on a roll.
8. An idea
That’s right, you actually need to come up with an idea for your book! This part is going to come entirely from you, but you have some time to figure that out. Once you have your ideas, you’ll be all set to write your book!
Good luck and happy writing!