"NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is a creative writing project originating in the United States in which each participant attempts to write a 50,000 word novel in a single month. Despite the name, the project is now international in scope. Nearly 80,000 participants registered in 2006, with almost 13,000 winners..." -source Can you write an entire novel in one month? I would think quality would take longer than 30 days.
I could probably do it, if I had a very interesting topic and had 30 days to devote to writing rather then try to do it in my spare time
NaNoWriMo was not founded to advocate for quality. Their only purpose is to give writers the drive to start writing their books. You'd be surprised what a deadline could do to you. 50,000 is nothing more than a novella (a short novel). For some writers, NaNoWriMo is a way to finally start putting pen on paper. Besides, the first draft is never perfect, no matter how long it took you to write it. That why "editing" exists.
Interesting link, seems like it fills a need, but having written short stories I think 50,000 words in one month is achievable although you'd really want a proofreader to help you out.
Hi to all Ive done Nano for the past few years. They are not advocating a publishable novel in 30 days, the idea is that you write every day. With the 'in house' competitions within regions, you are encouraged to go way past the 50,000 mark! Its also a chance to get to know and meet up with other people who write fiction in your area. I think the 'Wales' group spent more time in the pub than writing last year Last year on 1st November I didnt even have an idea - rang a friend who told me 'two people on a train' - and off I went. Yes the original was a bit crappy - but I left it for a couple of months, went back and edited it and eventually sold it to a womens mag as a serial I also sold my previous years work (after editing). If fiction is your thing, then its worth having a go, just to see if you can. Keeping a plot going for 50,000 is very different from writing the odd short story. This year - for the first time ever - I actually have a plot in mind....bring it on! I lurvvveeee Nano month - its like I have 'permission' to write fiction for a whole month, without thinking about the money side.
@WriteResults, thanks for sharing your personal experiences. I had a good look at the concept and it seems like an excellent reason to catch up with fellow writers, shame I'm not in Wales, ah well, maybe there's a group in my area. Now then, November is only a month away, what could I write about?
Well.....'two people on a train' worked for me Or you could always start with the old adage...'It was a dark and stormy night' (If anyone subscribes to Writing Magazine/Writers News, I have an article published in there in October on Nano) One more 'Nano' plug....they raise quite a sum of money each year for their 'Reading Rooms' charity that sets up school libraries. Christine
That's a good enough reason to support them then. It is always great sadness to me as a teacher when adult students struggle to read, and of course their difficulties mostly started as children in environments where libraries weren't fun places to be.
Christine>> I'm also doing NaNo this year. A couple of writer friends are going to be in on it too. Thanks for telling your story, that gave me an idea on what to do with what I write afterwards
Yes I can write a novel within a month. But I cannot guarantee the quality as it would have been with some peace of mind.