In Support of NaNoWriMo

Image courtesy of National Novel Writing Month

Have you heard of NaNoWriMo? If not, you should have, so let me fix that error. NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month is an arts initiative, the sole aim of which is to get writers to write. Or, more importantly, to get would-be writers to write. Their website can explain it better than I can: "National Novel Writing Month is a 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." The program was established in 1999, and since then has had more than 1,410,000 participants, not including 2013. they boast that over 250 of their novels have been traditionally published, including Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, which was later made into the film starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, and Christoph Waltz. 
Personally, I think that one of the best things about NaNoWriMo is the community of support and encouragement that it fosters for new writers. Many established authors participate, and even give motivational talks for the lesser-known participants. If you have a dream to write, but never had the get-up-and-go, NaNoWriMo is for you. If you are still unsure, then check this out: A friend of mine, Nick Durbridge, happens to be participating this year and, as an added bonus, is blogging about his experience as he goes. It's a daily journal of what it's like to write a short novel with a deadline, and it gives you a wonderful and entertaining look at the inner workings of the actual production of a book.  You can find his blog here to read along with his adventures, and support beginning authors! After all, everyone starts somewhere.

J.R. Vikse

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