November is National Novel Writing Month, and the annual frenzy of NaNoWriMo. This org encourages writers to push forward on the their work for the entire month of November, with the goal of writing 50,000 words by the end of the month. You can register through the site, and there are prizes available as well as encouragement.
The idea is that you write nothing before the stroke of midnight November 1, then write like mad for the entire month. You’re not supposed to revise or edit, but simply to plug along on your first draft.
Lots of writing organizations suggest that their members sign up for NaNoWriMo. It can be a good exercise for people who don’t write full time to make some serious progress on their mip. Of course, whether they write anything that is useful or not is another question.
Many writers I know tap into the energy of NaNoWriMo without actually signing up. I belong to one writers’ group that is informally tracking NaNoWriMo results so that we can cheer each other on, without registering for the real thing – or following their rules. 50K words is 50K words and it’s a good goal, whether you’re working on a new project or continuing with a current one.
I’ll be pounding the keyboard this month on Dragonfire #8, EMBER’S KISS, and aiming for big progress.
If you’re a writer, do you participate in NaNoWriMo? Why or why not?
Deborah Cooke: Author 
4 responses to “NaNoWriMo”
I’ve done Nano a number of times, and I lead a mini-nano (or minano) for my local writer’s group. This year I’m in the middle of edition, so I’ve stretched myself in that goal. For Minano this year, everyone has picked their own goal, and we have folks working on all levels of their tales.
The most important thing is, of course, the support and cheering from those who understand what you’re going through. That energy is vital to make it writing through November.
I’ve got my pom poms our and will be cheering for you too, Deb! Happy writing!
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Minano! I love that, *lizzie. I heard from a friend last night who also does NaNoWriMo, but doesn’t follow all the rules or register on their site. She calls it Faux NaNo, which is also a lot of fun.
So, I’m starting on my Faux NaNo this morning. Have a great day, *lizzie!
d
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i have in the past and likely will in the future (also with my own set of rules). I fell and damaged an arm Friday so am passing this year, though.
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Oh no, Diana. I hope you are feeling better soon — and here are some healing vibes for that arm.
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You have to get better – you have writing AND knitting to do!
d
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