Do you have a story to tell? Share it with the world, or keep it for yourself. Either way, join thousands of people around the globe who will be participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and write your story.
National Novel Writing Month (formerly the Office of Letters and Light) is a nonprofit organization that supports creativity and celebrates diverse voices. It began in 1999 with twenty-one friends in the San Francisco Bay Area and has grown into a world-wide event. The organization’s mission is to “help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds—on and off the page.” It is open to everyone, not just professional or “serious” writers aiming to get published.
The goal of NaNoWriMo is simple: Write 50,000 words starting on November 1st. Those who succeed in writing at least 50,000 words by 11:59pm on November 30th will join the NaNoWriMo winner’s circle. You could be one of them. Even if you never plan show your novel to another person, even if your novel is filled with plot holes and underdeveloped characters, as long as you have written something you will have accomplished something big.
Of course, if your goal is to eventually have your work published you will have to edit and rewrite your work. But that comes later, for now just write. Write whatever you like. Notwithstanding the event’s name, it doesn’t have to be a novel. Write a series of short stories, a memoir, or maybe a travel guide – whatever story you have bursting inside you, let it out onto the blank page.
Fifty thousand words sounds like a lot, and it is, but you can do it. And although writing is often thought of as a solitary pursuit, it doesn’t have to be. Local NaNoWriMo groups host events throughout the month where writers can trade ideas and encourage one another. NaNoWriMo Participants can find and offer suggestions on the NaNoWriMo forums. Participants will also receive encouraging and inspiring emails to help them get through the month.
Ready to start writing? NaNoWriMo is just a week away but you can sign up now at http://nanowrimo.org/.
What’s your story? What will you write?
Mocha Girl Tiffani
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