November heralds the sound of tapping keys as writers aim to produce 50,000 words in 30 days with National Novel Writing Month
Writing enthusiasts will create the beginnings of a novel between 1-30 November, also known as novel writing month.
NaNoWriMo encourages writing without the constraint of self-editing. By coaching writers to follow a rigid four-week plan that builds the foundations of a fictional world in stages, the structure is designed to leave writers with chapters to edit and develop.
The challenge began in 1999. In the 20 years since its founding, NaNoWriMo has grown from a non-profit organisation supporting writing fluency to a mass network of writers spread across the globe.
In its first year, NaNoWriMo had just 21 participants. By 2017, 306,230 writers joined. According to its website, 798,162 people will be active this November.
J L Guyer, a fantasy author, said, “NaNoWriMo is a great tool for writers to stretch their speed and organization skills.”
Leigh-Ann Hewer, a writer for children and young people from Caerphilly, has been engaged in NaNoWriMo since her early teens.
“NaNoWriMo is largely about discipline,” she said. “The whole point is to not get caught up in perfectionism and just get the words out so you have something to edit later.”
Leigh-Ann continued, “The practice has been integral to my improvement as a writer, even before I studied it as a degree.
“Challenges like NaNoWriMo help you build connections, both personal and professional, who can cheer you on, critique your writing and generally understand and share your passion for words and stories,” she finished.
In addition to the month-long mass creative explosion, NaNoWriMo also hosts year-round fiction writing courses and online tools.
Those signed-up to NaNoWriMo can access these teaching resources for free.
On their website, NaNoWriMo states, “We provide the structure, community and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds.”
Keen to get writing? Start your story at NaNoWriMo now.
