Is NaNoWriMo Right for You?

by Kathleen Neely @NeelyKneely3628

If you’re an author, you have probably heard of NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month. You can visit their website at nanowrimo.org. 

November is designated as National Novel Writing Month. Yes, I said November, the month of Thanksgiving, the busiest travel time of the year. The time for long lines at airports and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Add to that, preparations for Christmas. It’s a time for family, falling leaves, bonfires, and homemade soup. 

A Writer’s Accolade of One

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

I finally entered a contest I finaled in. And the crowd roared, well, the crowd of one—and maybe my biggest fan—my hubby. 

How To Use NaNoWriMo to Further Your Writing

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

It’s almost that time of year again. No, not pumpkin-spice season. NaNoWriMo.

Now, for the very few of you who are asking what is that, NaNoWriMo is the National Novel Writing Month that takes place annually in November. Can you believe that this is its twentieth year?

5 Lessons I Learned from NaNoWriMo

by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

NaNoWriMo 2015 has come to an end.

I did not win. I didn’t even come close.

I’m completely okay with that.

I knew that signing up for NaNoWriMo this year was a bit…well…crazy. (See last month’s post for the details). I did it anyway, and I have no regrets. There are words on the page that absolutely would not have been there if I hadn’t at least made the effort. In fact, there’s a good chance that my first draft would still be languishing in that dark and dreary place between “almost there” and “the end.” As December dawns, not only do I have a completed (finally!) first draft, but I’m almost 20K into a new story.

Stepping Up to NaNoWriMo

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

November is National Novel Writing Month. Authors and “would-be” authors accept NaNoWriMo’s challenge to pen a novel in thirty days. 50K words in a month, 1667 words in a day, 833 words in twelve hours, 2.5 words per minute. It’s a very feasible goal.

NaNoWriMo's mission is valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline. The concept is wonderful. With the right attitude, participants can pound out 50K words in a month. Just to meet the word count goal in 30 days is an accomplishment. Some writers take months, even years, to craft one novel—so committing to putting a full novel on paper speaks a lot for those who actually follow through.

I never attempted NaNoWriMo until this year and here’s why. The thoughts of writing a novel in 30 days is a huge undertaking. But just getting words on the page didn’t, to me, qualify the writing of a good novel.

Strengthen Your Writing Muscles with NaNoWriMo

by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I’m doing NaNoWriMo this year.

There are a million reasons not to, but I’m doing it anyway.

Are you familiar with NaNoWriMo? NaNo, as it’s often abbreviated, stands for National Novel Writing Month. The goal is to write a new, 50,000 word novel in thirty days.

That’s 1,667 words every day for thirty days.

I’ve done it before. I’ve “won” NaNo twice. (I’ve written about it here and here).

But that was years ago. This year? Well, it’s not really a good year.

Thursday Review—To NaNo or Not? NaNoWriMo Decoded

NaNoWriMo Celebrates Writing & Writers!

In the month of October, among those whose heart’s desire is to write a novel, thoughts turn to November and the dilemma of NaNoWriMo. For the uneducated, November has long become know as National Novel Writing Month—NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo is an idea that has exploded in popularity. The idea is that you write the first draft (minimum of 50,000 words) of a novel in one month. At first this may sound ridiculous, but many writing instructors advocate writing your first draft quickly, without editing. James Scott Bell encourages this in his book, The Art of War for Writers. I highly recommend this book, by the way and it was the very first book reviewed on this blog. Curious to learn more? Click here to read the review.

So how do you get involved with NaNoWriMo?

Thursday Review—NaNoWriMo

Last November, our own Lynn Blackburn posted a review ofNaNoWriMo (short for National Novel Writing Month). This year, I thought I’d give you a little heads up BEFORE November arrives.

NaNoWriMo is an idea that has exploded in popularity. The idea is that you write the first draft (minimum of 50,000 words) of a novel in one month. At first this may sound ridiculous, but many writing instructors advocate writing your first draft quickly, without editing. James Scott Bell encourages this in his book, The Art of War for Writers. I highly recommend this book, by the way and it was the very first book reviewed on this blog. Curious to learn more? Click here to read the review.

So how do you get involved with NaNoWriMo?

• First, visit their website and set up an account.
• Second, familiarize yourself with their site and the many things they offer.
• Third, start brainstorming ideas. 

Yep, I’ve found it helps me to have an idea of where I’m going with my novel. I don’t want to get into the whole, plotter or pantster debate, but I highly recommend at least a glimmer of an idea before you start.

And I have the perfect place to help you get ready—My BookTherapy. This group, started by award winning author, Susan May Warren, is dedicated to help writers succeed. Last year, MBT began WriMo, a smaller group of NaNoWriMo writers and the result was phenomenal. They had contests, help groups, everything a manic novelist could need (except chocolate—and I urge you to stock up on that). This year they will continue with the contests and fellowship and I’ve also heard rumors of special WriMo recipes, organization techniques and lots of other fun. I strongly urge everyone pop over and see what they have to offer this year. You will need to register and become a voice. But there's no fee involved for general access.

Still unconvinced it’s for you? Consider this, people participate in NaNo for many reasons—many of them good—here are just a few to consider.

• For Fun: maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of writing a novel. Here’s your time to give it a try.
• To Jumpstart Your Next Book: if you write professionally, the work of writing can sometimes get in the way of actual writing. NaNo can help you get back on track.
• An Accountability Group: Some of us just do better when we have to report on our progress. NaNoWriMo actually requires that.
• A Deadline and Goal: I don’t know about you, but I can do almost anything for a month—give up chocolate, start an exercise program, get familiar with a new routine. Why not try writing a novel?
• Company in a Lonely Endeavor: writing is a solitary pursuit and can often be intimidating and discouraging. Aligning with a group that has a shared goal and purpose helps alleviate the loneliness and helps keep us motivated.
• To Win: yes, I admit it. I’m highly competitive and just thinking about NaNoWriMo gets my adrenalin pumping. 

I’d love to keep up with all of you who are doing NaNoWriMo, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know your NaNoWriMo name (you choose it when you register). Mine is easy to remember:

EdieMelson

Also, if you’ve participated in NaNoWriMo previously, we’d like your suggestions and comments on the experience.

So, don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie