It is just over 1 month until the start of NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing month in November for anyone who doesn’t know!
Last year, I did not know what it was until it started, and then I was too late to join in. So this year, I am fully participating and am currently doing research so I can jump straight into writing during the month.
So, what is NaNoWriMo?
National Novel Writing Month is held every November. The aim for everyone participating is to write a 50,000 word novel within the month and even if you don’t make that, it is a time of mutual support for writers. If you join the website, you can track your word count and be part of a global movement. There are groups that form to keep each other motivated, and many people complete their novels or at least get a good way through them.
There is NaNo Q&A as well as a radio station, plus competitions between countries on word count. There is even a post-NaNo page “I wrote my novel, now what?” (that will be publishing then!)
It is such a great idea because it gives you a short period in which to really focus on your Work In Progress. Don’t think it just has to be a novel either, you can write whatever your book project is. You can also connect with other authors who are writing in this time. Tweet with #NaNoWriMo or join the Facebook page.
My commitment… what’s yours?
Some of my books
I have been pining for time to write my novel for months now. Ideas have been floating around but every weekend I get caught up with blog writing, tweeting, planning seminars and talks – and then there’s the day job… you know what I’m talking about!
So I am going to scale back other activities in November and concentrate on writing my novel. If I can get 50,000 words done on it, I’ll be stoked. So I am committing to be a part of it. I will be tweeting my word count and recording mini-videos of my progress, frustrations and sharing any tips I think you might find useful.
Having written 3 non-fiction books, I know I am capable of writing enough words, but I have a lot to learn because fiction is so different. So I’ll be sharing the journey with you in the hope it helps both of us stay motivated!
I’ve created my author profile on NaNoWriMo so I am ready to go. Become my buddy once you’ve signed up and let’s support each other to success!
Let me know if you’ll be joining NaNoWriMo this year by leaving comments below!
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I am in. I am also an ML for our Central Iowa Region.
This is my 7th year.
Good luck!
Hey Joanna,
What is your NaNoWriMo name? I will buddy you. Mine is GusGallows. I have been doing NaNoWriMo since 2004 and have successfully won the challenge twice. One of my books is on sale at Amazon (The Price of Honor) and the other (The Kids of Shelter 9), I am holding for a contest this October at Random House.
NaNoWriMo is, at the very least, inspiring. Before I first participated, I dreamed of writing but never really found the motivation to follow through. I would start a project and then let it slip away. NaNoWriMo helped me to finish what I started. The people on there are supportive and motivational. They have one of the best Writer’s forums on the net and I am truly grateful to them.
One thing to keep in mind though, most works at the end of November are not ready to be published. You have to go in understanding that so you can get your word count in. Save perfection for after November. Get the Novel written, and then take your time post NaNoWriMo to edit and cleanse. The hard part is getting the 50000 words. After that, going through your novel and cleaning it up is less of a chore, since you have the story already down on paper. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that is motivation enough to edit your work and get it out there. Good luck this year and let me know how I can be of help.
I joined weeks ago and had almost forgotten about it (very convenient…). I’ve never seriously tried to write something as long before, so my aim is to get to the word count, even if what I write is not great! A first draft, we could call it.
Great post
. I am planning on signing up this year (1st timer too), excited and nervous as I don’t know what to expect. I don’t think I really understand how huge a number 50,000 is. That reality has not sunk in so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. I’ll know when I begin, I suppose. 
. Glad to find many people who are joining this year, hope to stay motivated too. Cheers!
I’m going to do NaNoWriMo. I have done it twice already (2007 and 2008) and both times “won.” It is such a rush, really good fun. In 2007 I had never written any fiction before. I had some online friends who had done it and I was envious. I am a historian and academic editor (of history), so I work with words every day. On November 1 2007 I sat down and the story just started coming out of me. I wrote 250,000 words in the next 14 months. It was such great fun. NaNo has been a life-altering experience for me. I am still an editor, but I approach the subject, and my authors, so differently now.
Wouldn’t miss it for the world! This will be my 3rd year!
Last year was my first go at NaNo and I loved it. I definitely plan to do it again. It’d be great to have you for a writing buddy.
My name on there is ruthannnordin. I am still trying to figure out how to find other people on there. I’ve looked through the FAQ section and went to my buddies, but I can’t find a “search for someone” option. Do you know how to do it? (I hate not knowing how to do something this simple on the Internet.)
I just found out how to add a writing buddy. I added you as a buddy.
I added you as a NaNo buddy.
Should be a great year.
WriMo since 2005! I’m definitely doing it again this year.
Finished last year with just over 50K (my first year). LOVED it! What a great way to jumpstart a book. Looking forward to reading your posts as you go through it. It’s gonna be a fun November!
Last year was my first attempt at NaNoWriMo. I wrote a 70,000 word novel and had 5 days left over. It was a blast. I am doing it again this year for a novel called Stolen Time, which is a sequel to my podiobook Borrowed Time.
I’ve written 2 NaNoWriMo novels, and had a blast both times! I am considering it again this year, but a lot will depend on where I’m at with other projects.
I signed up just last week and am going to vlog my adventures on viddler which will show up in the NaNoWriMo.org site under Funstuff>NaNo Videos!
Always looking for new writing buddies! Hope to see you all there! http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/503441
Thanks for putting the spotlight on such an important event!!!
GO NaNoWriMo!
I’m definitely in! Off to add you as a writing buddy …
I heard about this last year, but didn’t even think about doing it. This year, I’m going back and forth, but I think I will. I just need to take the plunge and set up my account!
My project is creative nonfiction and memoir-ish so I can’t play along with NaNoWriMo. I’m planning to churn 50,000 words of my memoir in November though, and have my own little NaNonFiWriMo.
Wow! I am stoked by how many people are into NaNoWriMo and it is gaining momentum on Twitter as well #NaNoWriMo
Thanks for the encouragement and tips – I particularly wanted to reiterate Gus’ comment that your book isn’t finished after NaNo – you may need to write more, then edit or get a professional. But at least it is a great start!
It looks like we may also move house in November so I will be a busy girl! Thanks everyone one.
I am JoannaPenn on the site – http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/506902
Please do buddy me!
I’ll be there. I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve participated. I made it to 50,000 words once. Maybe this will be the year to do it again.
This will be my first year doing NaNoWriMo too. I’m a little nervous but excited. I added you as a buddy.
Yes, this year I plan to participate in this event. I think it is a great motivator to get you writing and perhaps get some great story out of it. I needed something like this to get me writing more each day. I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for all the information you share.
I heard about NaNoWriMo last year with only a week or so to go. In a fit of insanity I went for it (I also bought Chris Baty’s book “No Plot? No Problem!” It’s a fun read – and packed with the kind of creative madness that spawned NaNoWriMo.
I wrote 50,176 words before the end of November. Sadly, I haven’t been as focused with the editing process, so I still don’t have more than a partially-edited first draft. But I will finish it.
Going again this year, and making it a part of my yearly writing cycle. I’m kjmackey on NaNoWriMo.
Best of luck – enjoy the fun.
Your post helped nudge me into signing up for NaNoWriMo this year! I’m Inkygirl on the NaNo boards.
Good luck with your first go at NaNo. It’s such a fun experience. I really love meeting and greeting other writers within my city. I think you’ll love it.
I’ll be doing at again for the 6th time.
I’m going back and forth about joining NaNoWriMo this year. I attempted it two years ago without any preparation and managed more than 35,000 words, which I considered a success even though I didn’t officially win. November is a hard month to be so obsessed with word counts, but I’m seriously considering giving it a go again this year. I might join Cathy in her unofficial NaNonFiWriMo, since the project I really want to work on is creative non-fiction/memoir.
I have been hearing a lot about NaNoWri Mo. I’m in. I am finishing up a book right now. So that gives me time to polish and start looking for publishers &/or agents. What a great idea!
I am also on twitter @KCBOOKS
Hi Joanne! This will be my third year NaNo’ing and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I’ve added you as a buddy, hope you don’t mind. You’ll find me in the science fiction forum mainly
I follow you on Twitter & have added you on NaNo. I need to do some planning. School & clients are eating up all my writing time (or so I tell myself).
Will do, absolutely. First year
Count me in. I doing a mentorship, focusing on writing, speaking and possibly doing teleconferences. I have definitely let things like TV and computer stuff get in my way of writing.
‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?
You are a child of God. Small games do not work in this world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others.’
- Marianne Williamson in Return to Love: Reflections on a Course in Miracles
So here goes!……
Vivian Greene says, ” Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Keep dancing, Joanna! You’re doing great. Perhaps next year, I’ll join you. Judi