It’s NaNoWriMo time again!

It’s Time to get ready for National Novel Writing Month!

Are you looking for a challenge, one that will kick start your writing into orbit? Consider taking on NaNoWriMo!

National Novel Writing Month was established in 1999, and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes stories matter. This year, it’s expected that half a million writers all over the world will join in the noveling adventure.

Simply put, You begin writing on November 1st with a goal of at least 50,000 words by the 30th. That comes to 1667 words per day. I saw one writer’s schedule that seemed survivable (she had kids and a job): two hours a night four nights a week, one night off, plus three 2-hour sessions over the weekend. That doesn’t sound impossible, does it?

If you’re wondering what to write, you can always join the “Pantsers” – those who start NaNo on November 1st (writing by the seat of their pants!) without any  idea of what they’re writing, and just let it evolve! Now, that takes ovaries! Some write to outlines. You can create your character studies, outlines, research before November 1, but must not begin to pen your prose until 12:01 am on November 1st!

I’ve been involved for a few years, and in 2011  amazed myself by surpassing the goal of 50,000 words (roughly equivalent to 200 pages or a short novel). While writing my story grew into more of an epic, and I followed in 2012 with 17,000 more words to move the tale along. I should complete the whole story arc this year.

I never thought I had anything big enough to write about. But by giving my writer-self more room to work, and think, the ideas came, stayed and evolved.

NanoWriMo is a community, with members all over the world. Writers in every imaginable genre, from age 13 to well into the 80s. Non-fiction writers have their own group where they encourage one another to write novel-length non-fiction. We have local meet-ups organized by volunteers, and state by state competitions. Maryland, DC and Virginia all have active members and local events.

Please JOIN ME and several hundred thousand of your colleagues by signing up at NoNoWriMo.org, and experience the phenomenal progress you can make when you have commitment, challenge and support!

Please ask, I am happy to answer questions, and meet you at the nearest cafe for some writing time in November!