What the heck is NaNoWriMo anyway?

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It started in 1999 as a challenge for everyone who has ever said they’ve always wanted to write a book. Now, people from all over the world participate every November.

The goal is simple – write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days – seeing it through is anything but. Even when you break down the daily word count goal, 1,667 words per day is a lot when other commitments are calling for your attention.

Is November a busy month with holidays around the corner? Yes. But those distractions will always be there. The idea is to carve out time for your writing DESPITE the distractions. By making your writing a priority, you’ll give yourself permission to find time all year long to make writing a regular part of your life, and to finally see your projects on the page.

How does it work?

There are common rules for participating the traditional way, but many people adapt it to suit their personal needs and writing goals.

At the heart of it, NaNoWriMo is about actually doing the writing you’re always thinking about.

Whether you’re working on a brand-new novel or revising a work in progress, a short story, or non-fiction, join Essa Public Library this month in pledging yourself to your craft for the next 30 days.

How do I participate?

1. Join Essa Public Library’s writing programs in November:

• Get Your Project to the Finish Line – November 23 (7-8 p.m.)

• Write In and Wrap Up – November 30 (7-8 p.m.)

• Check out our event calendar for writing events being hosted by other Simcoe libraries.

2. Check out these writing resources available to borrow from the library.

3. Sign up on NaNoWriMo.org if you’d like to connect with other writers and track your progress.

4. Subscribe to this blog to get writing tips and motivation all month long.

Please, share your progress with us by tagging us on social media, or using #SimcoeNaNoWriMo. We'd love to cheer you on.

Happy writing!