Summary

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an annual challenge that encourages participants to write a 50,000-word novel during November, providing an opportunity for aspiring novelists to overcome procrastination and excuses.

Abstract

NaNoWriMo, which started in 1999 with 21 participants, has grown into a global phenomenon with hundreds of thousands taking part annually. It challenges writers to complete a 50,000-word novel in 30 days, fostering discipline and commitment. While the resulting draft won't be a masterpiece, it provides a strong foundation for further development into a full-length novel, typically around 80,000 words. The article encourages aspiring writers who have previously hesitated to take part in NaNoWriMo, emphasizing the benefits of the challenge for overcoming self-doubt and other barriers to writing.

Opinions

The author personally identifies with the struggle of starting and completing a novel, citing self-doubt and time constraints as common obstacles.
Committing to NaNoWriMo is seen as a way to maintain discipline and make significant progress in writing a novel.
The author believes that NaNoWriMo's structured approach, with its clear word count goal, is an effective method for tackling procrastination.
Despite recognizing that the first draft won't be perfect, the author values the achievement of having a substantial part of a novel written by the end of the challenge.
The article extends an invitation to fellow procrastinators to join the NaNoWriMo challenge and start their novel-writing journey.
There is an acknowledgment that the challenge is tough but rewarding, with the potential to kickstart one's writing aspirations.

Want to finally write that novel?

Do it this November with NaNoWriMo!

If, like me, you’ve long dreamt of writing a novel and have never quite managed to get around to it — now is the time! November marks National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo as it is more commonly known.

NaNoWriMo began in 1999 after founder Chris Baty and his friends decided they “wanted to write novels for the same dumb reasons twentysomethings start bands”. — Wikiwrimo

The challenge was set at 50,000 words and 21 people (including Chris Baty) took part that year. In 2022, the challenge attracted 413,295 participants, including 85,000 students and educators in the Young Writers Program. You can find out more about NaNoWriMo here. In short, the objective is to write a 50,000 word novel in the 30 days of November.

For months, years even, I have toyed with ideas and written scraps here and there but through self-doubt, lack of belief in my story, lack of time, or other excuses, I haven’t seen it through. So what’s different now?

I like a challenge.

I like the idea that I have committed to doing it in those 30 days.

It will keep me disciplined.

After 30 days, am I going to have a masterpiece? Absolutely not. But, I will have most of my first novel written. The average novel is around 80,000 words so there will definitely be work to do after NaNoWriMo, but I will have a solid foundation.

Are you in a similar position? You want to write a novel but have let excuses trip you up?

Give NaNoWriMo a go.

And if you’re already doing it, how’s it going?