What is NaNoWriMo?
In the writing community, November is known as National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. During NaNoWriMo authors and aspiring writers are encouraged to complete a 50,000-word novel in just thirty days. A 50,000-word book is roughly 200 pages in length. As an example, C.S. Lewis’s Silver Chair contains 51,022 words, while The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks has a word-count of 52,000.
This competition is taken seriously among aspiring and successful authors alike. NaNoWriMo has an official website. Once signed in, members can interact with other participants, download social media banners, and record their daily or weekly word counts. Those who realize the 50,000-word goal receive an official NaNoWriMo completion badge and of course, bragging rights.
The idea behind NaNoWriMo is to push individuals past their normal limits. As a personal challenge, the atmosphere is one of encouragement. NaNo’s social media accounts are for participants to cheer each other on, offer tips and tricks, and to share their progress. While ambitious, drafting a novel in thirty days is achievable, and many writers have ‘won’ this contest in years past.
In order to participate in NaNoWriMo, there are rules to follow. These include the following:
- Novels only, no non-fiction works allowed!
- No editing. The main goal of NaNoWriMo is to access one’s inner creative self. Get the words on the page, this is the first draft. Editing will be done later.
- Only words written during the month of November count. Participants cannot revise previously written work.
Preparation is key to winning for most participants. This may include completing projects to free up time and distractions. Planning for the novel itself by outlining the plot, fleshing out the characters, and world-building is also important. For some, preparation extends to family responsibilities – prepping and freezing meals, cleaning the home, hiring babysitters, and acquiring a ‘do not disturb’ sign to place outside their writing space(!)
For fun and motivation some writers purchase rewards to open or receive when specific word counts are met. These ‘gifts to self’ might include chocolate or other favorite snacks, new clothes, a new book, or an outing to a place they love.
NaNoWriMo is a fun, challenging experience I think all authors should try at least once. This is an excellent exercise to build confidence in young and aspiring writers. What a huge sense of accomplishment to draft a novel in thirty days!
