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. Though the original group disbanded in 2024, the new NaNoWriMo 2.0 has an official website. You can find it here. Once signed in, members can interact with other participants, find links to writing resources and methods for recording daily or weekly word counts. Those who realize the 50,000-word goal are encouraged to treat themselves to a prize of their own choosing 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. (Note these are NaNo’s original rules). 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!
If you are a homeschooling parent, know that students are encouraged to participate, either as part of their English/Language Arts class or just for fun. For more information, please read my blog about the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Contest.
