A lot of people say they’re going to write a novel “some day.” The organizers behind NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) help provide the day for that to happen. They chose the month of November because with all of the busy-ness of the holidays coming around, if you can write then, you can write any time. It takes away the notion of “some day” and makes it now.
For more details about NaNoWriMo, visit the website and maybe sign up. Yes, NaNoWriMo 2021 is already underway, but you can still sign up and join in.
How Do You Win NaNoWriMo?
Basically, you write a novel draft of 50,000 words. That may or may not complete your novel, but that is all that’s required to “win.”
However, I am of the opinion that any progress is good, so even if you don’t officially win, you won because you have more written of your novel than you would have otherwise.
Now, traditionally, you. have the month of November to write your 50,000 words. That is 31 days, including, of course, any holidays. If you write every day, you will need to write 1,613 words a day.
It sounds like a lot, but don’t panic. It’s easier to do than you think. Participate in writing sprints held in the community and you’ll find yourself meeting your daily word goal before you know it.
What Is the Prize?
Technically, the only prize is a certificate you can print out from the NaNoWriMo website. But, as I said before, any progress is a win.
If you have signed up on the website, you can access the forums and regional groups, so there is a built-in community participating in this endeavor with you. Becoming a part of the community reminds you that you are not alone, even though it may seem like it since the majority of writing is a solitary activity.
Can Kids Participate?
Officially, NaNoWriMo is open to writers age 13 and up. One thing about NaNoWriMo is they have a young writers program for participants 17 and under. There is a separate section that tells you about that on the NaNo website. Or you can go directly to that information here.
Am I Participating in NaNoWriMo?
Well… Yes and no.
I am working on a project during November, but I’m not registering it or tracking it on the NaNo website. I’m working on Anchor, book 2 of the RealmWalker series. With that said, I also have promotional ideas and events for New Beginnings, which is book 1 and released on October 31.
Between promoting one book, going to doctors’ appointments (long story), and family stuff because of the holidays starting at the end of the month, I decided that I wouldn’t officially participate. However, sometimes I still look at the pep talks and forum discussions when I have a down moment and need a shot in the arm to get going again.
What about you? Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? Let me know. I would love to cheer you on.
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