NaNoWriMo

National Novel Writing Month, often abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, is an annual creative writing challenge and community event that takes place every November. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to encourage people to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days, from November 1st to November 30th. It's a worldwide event that brings together aspiring writers, both new and experienced, with the shared objective of completing a substantial portion of a novel in a short timeframe.

Here's how NaNoWriMo typically works:

1. Sign-Up: Participants register on the NaNoWriMo website, create a profile, and declare their intention to write a novel during the month of November.

2. Writing Goal: The main goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words during November, which is the standard word count for a short novel or a novella. While the primary focus is on word count, the quality of the writing is not as important during the event. The emphasis is on generating a draft.

3. Supportive Community: NaNoWriMo provides a supportive online community through forums, local writing groups (called "write-ins"), and writing buddies. Participants can connect with others, share their progress, and find encouragement and advice.

4. Tracking Progress: Writers track their daily word counts on the NaNoWriMo website and update their profiles to keep themselves and others motivated. There are also tools and resources available on the website to help participants stay on track.

5. Personal Writing Goals: While the official goal is to reach 50,000 words, participants can set their own targets if they prefer to write more or fewer words. The primary aim is to foster a daily writing habit.

6. No Edits Allowed: NaNoWriMo encourages participants to focus on writing their first drafts without worrying about editing or revising along the way. The goal is to complete a draft, and there will be plenty of time for editing in December and beyond.

7. Prizes and Recognition: Participants who reach the 50,000-word goal "win" NaNoWriMo and receive a certificate. They also gain a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of having made significant progress on a novel. There are often sponsorships and prizes provided by various organizations and publishers.

NaNoWriMo is not only a writing challenge but also a way to build a writing community and discipline. It encourages individuals to overcome procrastination and self-doubt by setting and achieving writing goals. Many successful novels, such as "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen and "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, began as NaNoWriMo projects.

Overall, NaNoWriMo is a fun and motivational event that provides the structure and support needed for writers to make progress on their novels, and it has become a global phenomenon for writers of all ages and backgrounds.

Sign up here https://nanowrimo.org/sign-up