Writing Lessons & Advice: National Novel Writing Month

As established in a previous lesson, fifty thousand words is a general minimum for a novel. Believe it or not, many writing enthusiasts strive to meet that mark within a month during an event called National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo), held every November since 1999.

More than just a numeric goal, NaNoWriMo gives interested participants free access to resources that foster community, accountability, and creative development. When a new project is in the works, a new challenge can be started where the word count progress can be documented. The platform also offers online forums, regional communities, virtual events, connections to other writers, and special deals.

If this challenge piques your interest, now is the time to start planning! The organization also offers free resources to help lay the groundwork for your potential novel and participation within six weeks. Starting this course in September makes one better prepared for November, but it can also be accessed at any time.

If fall is not an optimal time for committing to that much writing or if fifty thousand words is too much of a reach, the NaNoWriMo organization also offers camps in April and July where you can set your own goals, either in words, minutes, edits, or pages. For school-aged writers, they also have a Young Writer's Program with a lot of the same benefits.

However ready you are for novel numbers, NaNoWriMo is here for you! Their initiatives with goal-setting and support are sure to break writer’s block spells! Their resources can help you get started and keep going!

Hope you check out this fantastic organization and get involved!

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