I’ll admit, when I first heard the word NaNoWriMo (pronounced nah-no-wry-mo) I was confused. What did it mean? And why were all the writers I knew talking about it, asking me if I was going to “do it?”
So you don’t experience the same confusion I did, here’s the skinny:
What is it?
NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. It’s a creative endeavor in which writers commit to using one month to write a novel of at least 50,000 words. (Update: I had previously listed it at 60k. Thanks, Amity, for the clarification!)
When does it take place?
Now! It starts today and goes through November 30. The schedule is the same every year.
How many people do it?
Lots! There is an entire community built around NaNoWriMo. You can go online to “partner” with other writers, and you can also track your progress through some of their web tools.
Is it a good idea to write a novel in a month?
Yes and no. The discipline of sitting down to write every day and reach a goal is great. The problem is when writers stop there and don’t revise/edit. Lots of agents complain about submissions in the month of December, because they receive everyone’s NaNoWriMo text — usually unpolished and fresh off the presses. Completing a first draft is awesome, but that’s where the hard work really begins.
What happens if I reach 50,000 words in a month?
Writers often use the phrase that they “won” NaNoWriMo — and that means they reached the 50,000-word mark. You can also get a little badge for your website or blog showing you completed the endeavor.
Have you ever done it?
No, I haven’t. I’m great at pounding out stories really quickly. What I like to challenge myself with is taking my time with a story, really developing the characters and the setting.
Where can I go for more information?
I’ve linked to it above, but NaNoWriMo has a website chock-full of information, which you can access by clicking here. It’s not too late if you want to sign up! Just don’t forget to edit, edit, edit after November is complete.
[Image Source: ithree graphic design]
3 Comments
Psst – just a little clarification – the goal is 50K, not 60
If you’re in a new area, or don’t know any writers, NaNo is also a GREAT way to meet locals who adore books. Many cities will have write-ins at libraries or cafes, where people get together and encourage each other to write (how much writing depends on the chatty level of the group
) The authors you meet will range from those published to ambitious kids only 13 yrs old to grandmothers trying out this writing thing for the first time.
It’s a good experience. I met my writing group through it
Thanks, Amity! I just updated the text so it correctly lists 50k. And great point about the networking — such an awesome benefit of NaNoWriMo if you choose to reach out to other writers!
Thanks so much for your explaination–I followed you here from your DM on twitter which I appreciate you taking the time to do.
This is just what I have been looking for in respect to meeting other writers in the San Antonio Texas area.
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