It’s time for National Novel Writing Month—NaNoWriMo! Are you working hard during the month of November writing your novel? If not, let’s talk about NaNoWriMo.
What is NaNoWriMo?
As I’ve mentioned in several posts on this site, NaNoWriMo was established in 1999. The objective is simple. Around the world, people commit themselves to writing a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. For 2021, over 400,000 people participated, an all-time record! Writers “win” by completing the challenge. I should emphasize here that “writing a novel” isn’t quite the idea. Really. The point is writing the first draft of a novel, since much of the work of a novel takes place after the first draft is completed. There are some other rules, too.
Basic Rules
NowNovel lists more of the basic rules for NaNoWriMo.
You’re only supposed to count words written during the month of November, and to begin a brand new work at that time. Those rules have been relaxed since that time, with people now being “allowed” to continued works in progress during the month. Another rules is you should be the sole author of the work. And for those who just need to know, the word count per day to reach the objective is 1667—not too difficult for seasoned writers.
The key—as many say—is to continue to write and not edit. I can’t stress that enough. A good friend and former colleague had a great idea for novel about three years ago and was very excited to join me during NaNoWriMo. But once she got started, she found herself editing back and forth and lost steam. I still want to see her finished work!
Why Do it in The First Place?
People have lots of reasons for participating in NaNoWriMo. In my case, once I got started with the habit, I couldn’t stop. I’m also someone who needs to write to feel alive: others feel the same.
MasterClass offers four specific reasons for participating in NaNoWriMo, which I’ll summarize here:
First, it gets you writing, and is one great way to bust through writer’s block. And while I mentioned that you’re only producing the first draft during NaNoWriMo, the first draft is key to everything. Authors always tell me that you “can’t edit a blank page.” For all the messiness of my first drafts, at least when NaNoWriMo is over, I have something to work with.
MasterClass also says that NaNoWriMo connects you with other writers. I live in Maryland, which has one of the highest NaNoWriMo participation rates in the world. Just participating in something as big as NaNoWriMo worldwide make you part of the community of writers.
Finally, with a simple goal like 50,000 words in thirty days, it’s easy to hold yourself accountable for that. Writers can also track their progress alongside other writers and feel part of the worldwide experience.
What About Results?
Far from being solely a writing exercise, NaNoWriMo has resulted in novel published around the world. Both Twin Worlds, and Take Hart, my first two novels, were written during NaNoWriMo. Take Hart has been recognized as a finalist in a national writing contest as well. Two more famous novels written during NaNoWriMo are Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy and Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen, according to NationalToday.
NaNoWriMo’s Reach
NaNoWriMo is so widespread that UCLA and libraries all across the country hold write-ins and support activities during the month to engage and celebrate writers. My local library system, the St. Mary’s County Library, holds several write-ins and celebrations during the month of November, in addition to speakers to get other writers fired up. I fact, I’ll be speaking shortly after the month, on the theme topic of What next? We’ll be talking about editing your novel, and finding a publisher or choosing to self-publish. We’ll also talk about marketing and promoting your work. If you’re in the area, stop by for this in-person program.
Being a NaNoWriMo Rebel
To be honest, I’ve always been a rebel of sorts. I’m not alone. There are others who choose to break the basic rule of NaNoWriMo by working outside the month of November, or some other way to rebel. That’s what I’ve been doing for awhile now. I mean, I still write something during November. The truth is, I’ve written a full novel of at least 50000 words every year (actually, usually at least 70000, and I’m going to count it no matter how I rebel.
Shhh: I won’t tell if you won’t.
