It’s November, so that means that once again we all get to set the goal to write a novel … or at least 50,000 words… this month. Who else is up for the challenge?
The project is sponsored by the Office of Letters and Light: Besides NaNoWriMo, OLL also sponsors Script Frenzy, the Young Writer’s Project, and Camp NaNoWriMo. You can find out more about each of these at the websites listed below. I personally have been a part of NaNoWriMo several times, winning once; Script Frenzy once, when I won; and I registered for Camp NaNoWriMo both sessions this past summer, but had to “go home early” both times without winning. And although I haven’t won the challenges more than I have won, each time I participated I actually put some words on paper during the allotted time… so, I think I was successful each time I tried!
The whole idea behind these programs is to get people to write. As a lover of books and a former reading teacher, I think it’s a great idea! And not only does the NaNoWriMo staff challenge you to write, but they cajole you and caress you and captivate you with light humor and bright ideas that make you want to write: In other words, they make the process fun!
Community is a big concept in these programs. Not only is every participant welcomed into the NaNoWriMo family, there’s also the chance to buddy up with someone you know, or someone you meet through this new family of writers. There are Municipal Liaisons for nearly every region in the world it seems. These folks provide geographically-close support by offering gatherings and communal writing sessions. Local libraries and bookstores participate by opening their doors for writing sessions throughout the month.
I’m a part of USA: Alabama: North region. Although I’ve gotten emails from the MLs in years past, this is the first year I will be participating in any of their planned activities. I’ve already attended the pre-kickoff lunch a couple of weeks ago, where I met a few people, ate good Mexican food, and received a bag of goodies from the MLs that was chocked full of thought starters, fun playthings, and creative sparks. Thanks, Amy and Bryan: I look forward to getting to know both of you during the course of this month’s writing. I know these volunteer positions take great energy and attention… just know your efforts are appreciated!
The programs offered by the Office of Letters and Light are supported by individual contributions. I am personally going to try fundraising for the effort… when one does not have any money herself, but believes in an idea and wants to support that idea, then one must do what she has to do. I’ll post my fundraising address soon: Please visit! And if you have a little bit to offer, please do: I don’t profit from these funds, just the programs listed above.
So, it’s now officially Day 1 of NaNoWriMo! There’s plenty of time for anyone to go to the website and sign up to participate. I’d love to be your buddy, especially if that might help you try harder to meet your goal: I’m sure it would help me stay on course, too. I personally am going to continue work on the Chick Lit story I barely started during one of the camp sessions this summer. Who knows? Maybe I’ll have a novel-length manuscript by the end of November… but if not, I will at least be further along than I would have been if I didn’t try. C’mon! Be a part of the writing and see just how many words you have by the final word count at the end of the month!
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