November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a creative frenzy in which tens of thousands of ordinary people around the world sit down in coffee shops, at kitchen tables, and in classrooms to compose their own 50,000 word novels in 30 days.
Nanowrimo is not about producing brilliant writing, but about finally putting that great idea you had into words and seeing it through to the 50,000 word finish line. The project is specifically designed to help amateur novelists defeat their two greatest enemies: writer’s block and procrastination. No one gets through the first draft of a novel without falling into a plot hole or cranking out some corny dialog, and that’s perfectly okay! All you have to do to succeed at NaNoWriMo is to keep writing. As an added bonus, some participants report that they’re too busy sending pirates after their heroes to overeat at Thanksgiving and can even escape kitchen duty by cultivating an honest aura of scholarly dedication!
Come December, participants have accomplished something few people can claim—they’ve written a whole novel. Along the way, they’ve gained valuable insights into a venerable literary craft and become part of a global community of writers who cheer and commiserate with one another over the internet year round. The NaNoWriMo website offers resources to writers and posts lists each year of the people who completed their novels by the November 30 midnight deadline. There are plenty of online networking and support areas, as well as Seattle area NaNoWriMo meet-up groups.
And what about those perfectionists who conquered their anxiety and are now plagued by a complete but imperfect draft? They simply pack their manuscripts away and label them “open in Spring.”
Why?
Because March is NaNoEdMo – National Novel Editing Month!
SPL books to help you out:
The Novel Writer’s Toolkit by Bob Mayer
Beginning writers who aren’t sure where to start may find help gaining their footing with this useful book. Key concepts explored in its pages include: turning ideas into stories, writing convincing dialog, developing an absorbing plot, and taking your finished book to market.
How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey
The favorite guidebook of some new writers because of its non-academic tone, this book presents a roadmap for the novel from concept to completion, including specific worksheets designed to help new writers structure their thoughts in a way that makes writing flow.
How Not to Write a Novel by Howard Mittelmark
If you’ve dabbled in writing already, you may both laugh and blush at this compilation of common mistakes made by novice writers – but you’ll also learn important lessons about which literary devices are best avoided and why.
You Can Write a Novel by James V. Smith
Veteran novelist Haines provides a comprehensive set of tools to help the beginning novelist organize thoughts and structure writing.
Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a ChickLit Novel by Cathy Yardley
If fun, feminine storylines are your cup of tea, you might enjoy this comprehensive guide to writing for the ChickLit genre. Read it straight through and you’ll learn where ChickLit comes from, what kinds of characters and storylines captivate ChickLit readers, and how to market your finished gem.
This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosely
One of the chief pieces of advice offered by this acclaimed writer is “write every day-without fail, every day, no excuses.” Since this is exactly the process used in NaNoWriMo, you may find it a very helpful companion guide!
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Both aspiring writers and fans of Stephen King will find food for thought in this book that is part autobiography part writer’s guide. I learned about On Writing from new writers I met in the library who said it profoundly changed the way they think about their craft.
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