November 1st kicks of the month-long novel writing experience known as National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) – what the official website calls “a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing.” http://nanowrimo.org/about
This event has always intrigued me, and I’ve considered participating. But November often found me working on a writing project that had a looming deadline. Also, I’m a solitary writer who doesn’t share much while writing, but this seemed like such a fun challenge.
This year, I’m in the happy position of having a television script due, before Thanksgiving, for a miniseries. So, no NaNoWriMo 2014 for me. And I could really use it!
There is my second novel in the “Katrin’s Chronicles” series that I’d hoped to complete this year and NaNoWriMo would have been the perfect motivator.
National Novel Writing Month is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works “to empower and encourage writing and vibrant creativity around the world.” Their mission statement itself is inspiring: “National Novel Writing Month organizes events where children and adults find the inspiration, encouragement, and structure they need to achieve their creative potential. Our programs are web-enabled challenges with vibrant real-world components, designed to foster self-expression while building community on local and global levels.”
NaNoWriMo is for everyone and anyone who has ever thought about writing a book — I applaud this event. For all the people who have said to me “You should write a book about my family,” I cordially invite you to take your story and put your words onto the page.
To quote the wisdom of Dr. Maya Angelou: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Tell your story!
posted by Valerie C. Woods
on November, 02