If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a novel, then NaNoWriMo might be for you.
Are you one of those writers who comes up with plot after plot, maybe writing a few pages, or even a few chapters, only to abandon every project for the next great idea? Have you started working on a novel but constantly find yourself caught up in the vicious cycle of endless editing and revising with no end in sight? Is that novel you’ve been thinking about sitting around collecting dust in the annals of your mind?
Every year, during the month of November, writers around the globe sign up to participate in National Novel Writing Month. The goal: write a 50,000-word novel in one month. The purpose: inspire, motivate, and offer support for this mind-boggling endeavor.
“Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It’s all about quantity, not quality.”
NaNoWriMo encourages would-be novelists to get a (very) rough draft completed in a thirty-day time frame. By keeping writers focused on the 50,000-word goal, distractions and excuses for not getting it done are eliminated.
“By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create.”
So, how popular is National Writing Month? In 2006, over 79,000 writers signed up and almost 13,000 of them completed 50,000 words by midnight on November 30th. In 2007, over 100,000 writers signed up and over 15,000 completed their novels.
How Does it Work?
All you have to do to get started is sign up at www.nanowrimo.org. You’ll register and create an account. Before November 1st, you can build up your profile, participate in the forums, and start planning your novel — but writing doesn’t begin until November does. That’s when you can start posting excerpts from your project, and of course you’ll be writing like mad. If you complete 50,000 words by midnight on November 30th, you’ll be added to the Winner’s Page, and will also receive a winner’s certificate and web icon. NaNoWriMo works on the honor system. Be sure to view the FAQ to get all your questions answered, and while you’re visiting the site, don’t miss the list of published NaNoWriMo authors.
How to Get Started
If you’re thinking about participating in NaNoWriMo, then you’re going to need all the support you can get to help you through 30 days of writing frenzy. Here are a few great articles and resources just for NaNos:
- Don’t forget to read my review and pick up a copy of No Plot? No Problem!, the NaNoWriMo bible. You’ll also be helping to support NaNoWriMo’s founder and president, who is the author of the book.
Yes, it can be done! I’ll be here rooting for all the NaNos.
