I’ve wanted to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) since
I heard about it in 2009. (It started in 1999.) This will be the first year I finally attempt the NaNoWriMo challenge. I can’t wait! I’m announcing it here for a sense of accountability.
What is NaNoWriMo? It’s a website–a movement, really–of people from around the world writing their own 50,000-word novels in the month of November. You don’t write the novel at the site. The website is there to help you keep track of your word count and enjoy the feeling of knowing so many other writers are writing at the same crazy pace.
Couldn’t you lie about your word count? I guess you could. But why would you?
Do you win a big prize if you finish on November 30th? No, not really, not other than pride and a sense of accomplishment.
What happens if you quit in the middle of November? Nothing happens. Maybe you will have moved an idea from 100 words to 10,000 words. That’s something worthwhile as far as I’m concerned. Yes, I’m saying everyone is a winner. And a special snowflake.
Does it cost anything to register on the site? No.
How does one prep for NaNoWriMo? Many writers who intend to start writing a novel on November 1st spend time outlining plots or at least fleshing out characters during the month of October. This is not “cheating.” It’s common sense. There are tons of resources on the official NaNoWriMo site for characterization, setting, point of view and plotting ideas.
Will you share your novel after? Lord, no. But maybe I will have an early draft to play with for the next few years and that is something I’ve wanted for a long time.
Anyone else doing NaNoWriMo this year?
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10 Responses
I’m not participating, but I have a few writer friends who do. I’m excited for you, Nina!
Good luck, Nina! This will be a very rewarding challenge. 🙂
So happy to hear you’re giving fiction a go again, Nina! Can’t wait to hear how it goes (and love the bujo sheet for NaNoWriMoers)!
I LOVE her handwriting. She could get me keep track of anything just so I can look at it. And yes, it’s been a long time for me on fiction and I’m excited to dip back in. I hope the creative world is going well for you!
I’m excited for you, Nina! I’ve wanted to try NaNoWriMo for years, but my project status never lines up with November 🙂 maybe next year! Good luck and I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you.
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Thank you! It will be really interesting to push myself like this, both in the amount of writing and the style (fiction).
I’ve done NaNo a few times and I’ve loved it. Still trying to decide if I’ll do it this year. Go Nina go!
Do it!!
HI Nina! I’m in– working on a manuscript, as we’ve talked about. And I’m registered for this year, as I’m actively writing. Would love to add you and cheer for you! I’m at jenniferlynking.
Yay!!!