NaNoWriWhat? NaNoWriMo. Short for National Novel Writing Month, the annual event occurs every November, and the goal? Write a 50,000-word novel during the 30 days. When I first heard of it, I thought NaNoWriWhat? Once I understood its purpose, it made more sense. Founded in 1999 by Chris Baty and a group of friends in Northern California’s Bay Area, the event now encompasses the entire world. Hundreds of thousands of writers participate each year. I always intrinsically knew a man invented NaNoWritMo. No sane woman plans a month-long writing event during a major holiday season. But if you can achieve success during the busiest time of the year, imagine what you could accomplish if you apply the same tools to every month of the year.
Simple rules for NaNoWriMo
- Starting as early as 12:01 a.m. November 1, begin drafting a new novel or create a fresh rewrite of an old one. Finish by end of the month.
- Planning and outlining ahead allowed and even encouraged. Continuing a work in progress-not officially sanctioned.
- Challenge ends at 11:59 p.m. November 30. Anyone finishing rates as a winner with digital banners, certificates provided and t-shirts available for purchase.
For more information, details and tips, visit Reedsy (not affiliated with the NaNoWriMo organization).
A NaNoWriMo organization exists to support authors during the national month of writing. By joining the organization, you can track progress, set milestones, connect with other writers, and finish that novel.
Should I participate in NaNoWriWhat?
Anytime you have an opportunity for accountability, encouragement and tracking of a project, why not participate? Of course, you could join a writing group (like one of the Radical Writers Groups) to get those same tools every month. But honestly, we can’t provide the daily check-ins you get from the national organization during the month of November. Personally, I think January makes a better month for the event, but they didn’t ask me. Still, setting aside writing time might give you the edge you need. And for non-fiction writers, the same principles apply, minus the need for character sketches.
A firm commitment could make a difference in writing that book you always wanted to write but haven’t. Want a head start? Consider Texas Radical Writers Fall Retreat. Most of us come away from the weekend with thousands of new words written. It happens to fall on November 4-6, 2022, so the timing kind of turned out perfectly for NaNoWriMo. Love those unplanned sweet moments.
Everyone Wins
Whether you officially enter the challenge and succeed or simply make headway, you win. If you actually write 50,000 words, congratulations. You have a first draft in 30 days. Is that even possible? When you plan ahead and commit to write daily, it can become a reality. What if you fail and only write 25,000 words? You still won, because you wrote. Even if you do it anonymously, go for it. To finish your book, or article, or short story, or whatever you write, you must begin. Why not participate in NaNoWriMo if it helps?
Keep in mind, at the end of 30 days, you may have a draft, but your book baby isn’t quite ready for delivery. The editing and rewriting-well perhaps that’s why we don’t usually plan much in January.
Happy writing!