National Novel Writing Month

Celebrate NaNoWriMo

Prequel

Celebrate NaNoWriMo:  Next Wednesday is the start for hundred-thousands of writers worldwide: November is NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month.
Have you considered to participate in this writing challenge which means writing at least 50,000 words during the month of November?
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The NaNoWriMo is a non-profit effort, run mostly by volunteers. It all began almost 20 years ago and grew into half a million writers from 663 regions worldwide.  The regions are supported by mentors called Municipal Liaisons, running writing events and forums online and in person.

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Benefits for Writers
NaNoWrio is not only an annual writing competition, a creative challenge. Its benefits include discounts on writing tools, bragging rights, increased creativity and an improved writing resume. Writers will find a local writing community, and most importantly, the first draft of a novel or non-fiction book.  To participate means you have to write 1,667 words a day, every day, for thirty days straight – valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline.

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Commitment from Writers and Volunteers
Writer Laura Miller explains:  “NaNoWriMo fosters the habit of writing every single day, the closest thing to a universally prescribed strategy for eventually producing a book.”

In average, 17 percent of writers finish NaNoWriMo. Telling your family and all your friends will provide you with some cheerleaders. What else can you do to succeed and keep on track?

This will help you to face the “blank page”:
– Plan your plot and characters and do lots of research
– Schedule at least two hours for writing per day.
– Prepare and freeze dinners
– To create writing time turn off the TV and the Internet.

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Unleash Your Creativity!
Writing daily gives you a more professional approach to your writing work. NaNoWriMo encourages (or restores) the fun in your writing. You will – virtual or in person – meet other writers and will be able built a year-round network. Think encouragement or book critique.
Bookstores can get involved by hosting write-ins — daytime or evening writing sessions where participants can bring their laptops, preferably drink gallons of coffee, and write their little hearts out in fellowship with their writing comrades.

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Plenty of Support
NaNoWriMo provides plenty of support apart from your local mentor through a blog and interaction and inspiration by published authors via #NaNoCoach. It’s not too late to join in the “nano-prep” on Monday, October 30 and Tuesday, October 31, followed by weekly coach events.
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NaNo Prep Webcast: Watch the Recording!
“To help you prepare to write a novel this November, we pulled some writing prompts and activities from tried-and-true NaNo resources. Missed it? Good news: we recorded it!”

See also the Full NaNo Prep Blog Library at their website or go to their FAQ’s page.

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Half Writing Boot Camp – Half Rollicking Party
First-timers worry about the deadline but shouldn’t. Even if you don’t reach 50,000 words you will definitely write more than you would normally write in November.
It takes courage, grit, resilience—and wild imaginative leaps—to write a 50,000-word-novel in a month. It’s not for perfectionists or the faint of heart.  Once you finish the hard work on your novel only begins…

Make Sure to Read These Books –
after you finished NaNoWriMo:

111 Tips How to Market Your Book for Free
It’s all about professional marketing – NOT advertising
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018RA72LY

and
111 Tips to Get Free Book Reviews – 1,200 direct links to reviewers
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01M2Y3E5W/

Participate in NaNoWriMo for the same reason other people run marathons: not to win, but to participate.

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How about celebrating readers as well and dedicate a month to them?  For example in January or March?  And why not celebrate book reviewers?  After all, readers are the engine that keeps writers writing…

NaNoWriMo Resources
http://www.nanowrimo.org

If I would triple the size of the blog article you are just reading, it would be equivalent to the daily writing challenge : )   Easy!

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