We are now officially halfway through National Novel Writing Month (affectionately referred to simply as NaNoWriMo by participants)! If you are unfamiliar with November's annual writing challenge, check out the homepage here; each year, participants buckle down and attempt to write 50,000 words of their novel during the month of November. Beginning Nov. 1st, writers are encouraged to begin a fresh, new story; each day they can update their word count to reflect their progress for their peers to see (though continuing an existing novel is not discouraged). NaNoWriMo provides writers with opportunities to meet fellow writers online (and even in person), attend pep talks and writing sessions, and even offers assistance from sponsors and publishers. It is an opportunity for those who have always considered writing a novel to buckle down and get started!
It's late to start but not impossible to complete if you begin now! NaNoWriMo is all about getting started on that novel you have always wanted to write; even if you don't hit 50,000 words and "win", you've already won by starting towards your goal. The help provided by NaNoWriMo and its sponsors can be hugely beneficial, and the daily goals set forth are good motivation for an aspiring author! If you DO complete 50,000 words, you are eligible for certain prizes (reduced publication costs, writing programs, etc); if you don't complete it, you are at least a little closer to finishing your story!
Here are just a few reasons why I have found NaNoWriMo to be a valuable endeavor:
It sets a reasonable goal(s): Writing a novel is daunting, so much so that it can be hard to sit down and begin writing. The goals set forth by NaNoWriMo are helpful because they break up the work into more manageable chunks. To complete the challenge, the author should be writing an average of 1,667 words per day. Sure that's only a drop in the bucket for your completed work, but it's a reasonable goal that is well within reach, even for a lazy writer! Keep your eye on the daily goals and the total word count will begin to add up quick!
It provides invaluable motivation: Why sit down and write solo when you could be a part of something bigger? Stay connected with a community of writers striving to reach the same goal, helping and guiding one another along the way! NaNoWriMo is all about encouraging and assisting writers to begin their journey, and their motivation will help you reach that daily word count with ease. The goal also adds a little bit of a friendly competitive spirit, prompting authors to dive a little deeper into their writing!
You find your audience: Not sure who would want to read your novel? Begin connecting with "writing buddies" and share synopses and excerpts from your book. Your writing buddies can provide advice, support, constructive criticisms and edits that will make your novel top notch! It also begins building your future audience; these people will be more likely to read your book after reading these excerpts. Start grabbing their attention now!
It's fun: Novel writing can be tedious, but alongside like-minded peers it can be very enjoyable! The team spirit that comes from NaNoWriMo, combined with the friendly competitiveness makes for a more fun experience...and better authors! It's going to be a lot of work, why not have some fun along the way?
If you're looking to finally start on your novel, why not start now? It may be difficult to reach the final goal in time, but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of NaNoWriMo's tools and motivation to get a good start on your masterpiece (you can always finish next year)!It doesn't matter if you are an active author who has mastered the English language or taking your first shaky steps, NaNoWriMo has the tools to help you improve and succeed. Start today and lose yourself in the world of writing! Your peers will be happy to assist you along the way!
Edit: Feel free to add me as a writing buddy for editing or even just to expand your network: Th0mas.Was3r