NaNoWriMo: The Game is ON

IT’S NOVEL OR NEVER ,,,,

Tim Urlaub
Tim Urlaub

The folks at National Novel Writing Month have devised a plan so simple that even a knucklehead like me has trouble messing it up.  My mistake:  not taking advantage of the opportunity to stretch out.  Me thinks I doth text too much.  Hence, the bad facial hair to conceal my identity until I get it write.

The program:  One sits down and writes a 50,000 word novel in November.  And why not?  Now that the weather has turned cold and dark, what else do you have to do?  It’s free, though writers are asked to make a donation if they can.  You can sign up anytime.  There’s no need to worry about pesky things like editing or plot (that will come in December).  Just crank that baby out.  I’m told that once one hits a certain number of words, the piece takes on a life of its own.  The event’s web site, www.NaNoWriMo.org, offers all kinds of advice and motivation.  However, if you prefer actual live people, it also allows you to search for write-ins and parties near you.  Support from a community of writers is probably key to many who finish this writing marathon.  I’ve saved the best part for last.  Some participants in years past have not only published their novels, there has even been one New York Times #1 bestseller.  So if you have ever considered writing a novel, stop dreaming and begin writing today.