u've ever thought about writing a story, now is the time to quit thinking and start doing. Maybe you've thought about writing your own story--the story of your life and all your experiences, possibly the lives of your family members--immediate and/or distant. Maybe you have an idea for a great science fiction yarn or romance tale. Maybe, like me, it's mysteries that tickle your fancy. If you need motivation or a kick in the pants, you can get it by joining the National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo as it's known for short.NaNoWriMo is an organization of people who band together each November to help each other write whatever it is they are longing to write and haven't been able to start, continue, or complete. Whether you want to write a novel or a family history, NaNoWriMo is a great group to join. Believe me, I know. I participated in NaNoWriMo last year and found it to be tremendously helpful in getting me to produce my cozy mystery The Sound of Murder. I intend to participate again this year and write the second novel in my series.
The slogan of NaNoWriMo is "quantity not quality." That may not sound like a very good slogan, but, believe me, when you are competing against other writers who are all trying to produce a certain number of words per day, it's very exciting. NaNoWriMo keeps a running tally of your daily output so there is a real sense of competition. No participant expects that they will finish on November 30 with a perfectly polished work of art--but, they know that if they finish they will have a novel-length book. Yes, it will still need massive amounts of editing, but it's better than the blank piece of paper they have now.
The NaNo folks are very welcoming and they have great forums that support all types of writing. You will meet many kindred souls and get lots of moral support if you join (and joining is free, by the way). I found my NaNoWriMo experience last November one of the most exciting times I've ever had sitting at my computer. And, just for the record, I spent approximately an hour, maybe two, a day producing my necessary word count.
So, if you've ever felt the urge to write the great American (or any nationality) novel, don't delay. Join NaNoWriMo today. Will you join?
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7 comments:
This is interesting Patricia, I would like to give it a try, Thanks for the heads up.
Jena,
With your writing talent and experience--you should breeze through NaNoWriMo!
This sounds interesting, and I've always wanted to write a book, but not really a work of fiction. I've wanted to write a book about mental illness, being that I survived (and continue to survive) dealing with an ex with mental illness and a daughter with mental illness. Even then, I still wouldn't know where to begin, never having taking a writing course.
Patricia,
You said it's free but I saw a donation box there. It seems rude not to contribute??? Thanks for the reply.
Jena,
I believe many people participate and do not make donations.
Lola,
I don't know about non-fiction but I don't see why it wouldn't work just as well as fiction. NaNo works on word count, as I said, not content.
I did NaNoWriMo successfully in 2007 and unsuccessfully in 2008. I'm gearing up for 2009, which is tentatively looking like a 21st century remake of Pygmalion.
My daughter did NaNoWri in 2006, publishing Subtle Differences, and then again in 2008, publishing The Silent Serian.
She is also doing it again this year, and is writing a sequel to The Silent Serian.
It is great fun and I encourage everyone to give it a try. Even if you don't finish your novel in a month, or if you never finish or publish it, it is a wonderful way to hone your writing skills. It also makes for great conversations at cocktail parties. Try this year! and Good Luck!
Thanks, this sounds like just what I need to "continue" writing.
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