So, that novel you’ve been meaning to write? Since… well, forever? It’s time. Or it will be in November. National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo) challenges participants to complete a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.
Although the official event does not start until November 1, you can register now. (Just use the sign up button on the homepage.) Input some brief information about your intended piece, and complete your profile. Now’s also a great time to read past author pep talks and meet others in the forums as inspiration and preparation. As part of the sign-up process, you also will be asked where you live—this is a great way to connect with other participants in the area.
Over the month, you will be coached along the way with tips and inspiration and able to track your progress via the site. If you finish 50,000 or more words by midnight November 30th, you win, adding your name to the roster with other writers who have met this achievement.
You’ll be in good company. In 2012, more than 314,000 people on six continents met the NaNoWriMo challenge, and more than 82,000 completed the young writer’s program. More than 250 NaNoWriMo novels have been traditionally published, including Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, Erin Morganstern’s The Night Circus and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder. This year, more than 36,000 people are already registered.
Authors participating this year in pep talks to inspire participants include James Patterson, Marie Lu, Bella Andre, and Malinda Lo.
Whether this is your first attempt at writing a novel or a way to put in words the next story in your head, using the momentum of thousands of others just like you can help you realize this goal.
Lisa Hazen is a Chicago-based Web Designer specializing in author sites. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, or the WWW. mailto:[email protected]
