Unlock Free Writing Resources this November with NaNoWriMo

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Calling all writers! You may not know it, but November is National Novel Writing Month! Commonly referred to as NaNoWriMo, this month has transformed into an international event where writers everywhere come together to encourage one another to finally finish a draft of their novel. This fun and unique approach to creative writing seeks to inspire writers of all ages and from all over the world. Want to get in on the fun this November? Check out the info below:

How Does it Work?

Throughout the month of November, participants will begin working towards the goal of creating a 50,000-word novel by midnight on November 30th. Before you start writing your masterpiece, you need to complete your profile on the NaNoWriMo website so like-minded writers can connect with you and keep you motivated throughout the month. While you cannot write your novel on their site, you can share a short synopsis and excerpt of the text that you’re trying to complete. Once you start writing, you can earn participation and writing badges when you surpass specific milestones.

NaNoWriMo is available to anyone who has ever thought about writing a book of their own - whether you’re a published author or a young writer. If you want to get started, simply login into the website and you will be able to access a ton free resources. This is a great way to celebrate the creative journey along the way to finishing your novel.

Why Should You Participate?

NaNoWriMo allows writers everywhere to access resources and a supportive community that can’t be found anywhere else. This writing event also offers high-quality free pep talks, writing prompts and writing advice that are usually only found through paid courses. When you sign up, you will also gain access to regional events that you can attend in your area and breaking news regarding novel-writing. And, thanks to NaNoWriMo, you can have access to all of these resources for no money at all! In addition, National Novel Writing Month is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has been in operation for 19 years. NaNoWriMo works to make the world a more creative and vibrant place with multiple writing programs which cater to the needs of all writers. If you've ever struggled to put pen to paper, this is the program for you!

When Does it Start?

While NaNoWriMo starts every year on November 1st, you can use their online resources anytime throughout the year! If you're a younger writer, you should be sure to check out their young adult writing program. You can even sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo, which is a virtual writer's retreat that is specially designed for maximum flexibility to seamlessly fit into anyone's busy schedule. There are camp sessions available in both April and July, so mark your calendars! In addition, Camp NaNoWriMo welcomes writers to tackle any writing project that interests them, including: new novel drafts, revisions, poetry, scripts, short stories, and more!

How Can You Stay Inspired?

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Writing is a solitary job, but thanks to NaNoWriMo, you won't be facing the challenge of writing a novel by yourself! There is an entire community of writers that are just a few clicks away when working with National Novel Writing Month. If you find yourself dealing with a nasty case of Writer's Block, be sure to check out the pep talks that are available through the site. Once you finish writing your 50,000-word masterpiece, you can "win" NaNoWriMo by validating your text - simply copy and paste it into NaNoWriMo's official validator box and you'll receive your winner's badge!

If you're looking for more resources when working on your final draft, be sure to check out the "Now What?" section of the site. This will guide you through the editing process during the months of January and February and will help you fulfill your novels potential - from the first draft to the final product. For more tips and tricks on how to win at National Novel Writing Month, be sure to check out the infographic below: