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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?
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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1 2 3 4 Next »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. :P. 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.