OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
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!
Leave a Reply