On your mark… get set… GO! Tomorrow begins National Novel Writing Month, or “Nanowrimo” as it’s called by the thousands participating. Here’s all you need to know to get started!
About
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought fleetingly about writing a novel. Here’s a little more about how it all works.
National Novel Writing Month is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes your story matters. You know how writing makes the world a more creative, vibrant place. Through NaNoWriMo—as well as the Young Writers Program, the Come Write In program, and Camp NaNoWriMo—they work hard to empower and encourage that vibrant creativity around the world.
NaNoWriMo Facts and Stats
National Novel Writing Month was established in 1999. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes stories matter. This year, they anticipate half a million writers joining the noveling adventure.
During NaNoWriMo 2012,
- 341,375 participants started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.
- 648 volunteer Municipal Liaisons guided 586 regions on six continents.
- 82,554 students and educators created worlds through the Young Writers Program.
- 615 libraries opened their doors to novelists through the Come Write In program.
- And in 2013, 44,919 Campers participated in Camp NaNoWriMo’s online writing retreat.
Over 250 NaNoWriMo novels have been traditionally published. They include Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, Hugh Howey’s Wool, Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, Jason Hough’s The Darwin Elevator, and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder. See a full list of our published authors.
Each year, authors offer encouraging pep talks to participants. 2013 authors are James Patterson, Marie Lu, Lev Grossman, Rainbow Rowell, Patrick Rothfuss, Catherynne M. Valente, Bella Andre, Malinda Lo, Holly McGhee, Ralph Peters, and Jeff VanderMeer.
What will 2013 bring? Visit http://nanowrimo.org for more info and events in your area… And start writing!
I’m delighted to announce that I’m celebrating National Novel Writing Month with the release of my debut novel, The Quiet Roar of a Hummingbird. I’ll post additional information on WWW. Let’s celebrate!
Catherine, that’s fantastic news!!! Go get ’em!
I signed up for the NaNoWriMo challenge and they immediately stared hitting me up for money. Emails told me I needed to get (paying) sponsors and that the more money I raised, the better chance I would have of winning. Quite frankly the prizes aren’t that great, and I wanted to be part of it just for the fun of getting a novel out in 30 days, but daily begging letters aren’t motivators for me. Frankly people pay ME to read my novels, not the other way around. I was very disappointed. OTOH, I have a pretty nifty Steampunk novel outlined and ready to write. I’ll challenge myself to get it finished this year, and reward myself with another successful novel.
Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear that. Guess NPOs are getting increasingly aggressive out there what with the lack of discretionary funds available. Good to note for our readers though – folks may just want to check out the site and the events and follow along w/out joining up if concerned about the emails. Thank you VERY much for the heads-up!!