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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?
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!
Kate Shelton says
September 24, 2009 at 9:58 pmThis will be my first year doing NaNoWriMo too. I’m a little nervous but excited. I added you as a buddy.
Ana-The Writer Today says
September 26, 2009 at 1:54 pmYes, 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.
KjM says
September 28, 2009 at 10:07 amI 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.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi says
September 28, 2009 at 5:22 pmYour post helped nudge me into signing up for NaNoWriMo this year! I’m Inkygirl on the NaNo boards.
Raynoch says
January 11, 2012 at 4:10 pmSuperior thinking demntosrtaed above. Thanks!
Benjamin Solah says
September 28, 2009 at 10:31 pmGood 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.
Ami says
September 29, 2009 at 8:44 amI’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.
Kristin Callender says
October 2, 2009 at 4:33 pmI 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
Helen Buckley says
October 7, 2009 at 3:28 amHi 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 😉
Anysia (Booklorn on Twitter) says
October 12, 2009 at 3:23 pmI 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).
Lori Ehrman Tinkey says
October 12, 2009 at 5:55 pmWill do, absolutely. First year 🙂
Pam Hauser says
October 16, 2009 at 8:04 amCount 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!……
Judith Swartz says
November 12, 2009 at 9:31 pmVivian 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