What do you think of when you think of November?
a) Thanksgiving
b) Election day
c) Another year is about to disappear
d) Writing a novel in 30 days (or less)
If you answered d, then you already know that November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short). I’ve participated is this insane event of creativity with an impossible deadline for three years now, and I can’t believe how much fun it is.
Here in Fort Collins, we have an active group of NaNos who get together before, during, and after November to inspire, encourage, challenge, and congratulate each other as we barrel through the month, typing as fast as we can. On Halloween, we have a Kick-off party that runs past midnight, so those who are dying to get started can start writing as soon as possible (12:01 am November 1st).
This year’s party included some great costumes – the Joker and Two-Face, Cats, Witches, and even a human burrito.
What is a loud party of people talking, eating, and drinking, suddenly calms down at 11:50 pm. Everyone finds a place to plug in their laptop and gets comfortable. The MLs (Municipal Liasons, organizers of the local events) pass out emergency supplies that include caffeine, chocolate, sugar, and a good luck Plot Ninja. At midnight, the only sound you can hear is the click of keyboards as everyone dives into their novel.
So far I am on track, writing at least 1667 words a day in order to reach the 50K goal by the end of the month. I may find myself falling behind this weekend, however, because I’m going away for a retreat and don’t know if I will have time to write or not. If you want to check on my progress, you can look me up on the NaNoWriMo site (assuming the Author Search has been turned on) under the name of dappled_pony.
