Nanowrimo

National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) is simply another name for November. As crazed writers, nanowrimo-ers are a masochistic bunch. We live for November and daily count requirements of 1667 words. Often maligned by many writers, this contest delivers an opportunity for newbies and established writers alike to 'win'.

A 'win' in Nanowrimo is to complete a manuscript with at least 50,000 words in the thirty days of November. These words do not have to make a lot of sense, have an outstanding flow nor even have a defined plot. I would submit to any participant that those items should be held as a priority, but even if you do not achieve any of them, the mere fact of proving to yourself you can actually write 50,000 words in thirty days is huge.

Many writers look at a blank screen and get intimidated by word counts. I've heard it in conferences - writers wondering if their 30,000 words qualifies as a non-fiction book-length book. Numbers and writers do not mix well. Numbers often intimidate writers. Nanowrimo affords the writer an opportunity to slay the word count 'monster'.

Successfully running through Nanowrimo will lift your confidence, your key speed and possibly, if you've gone into it somewhat organized (I know, another writer struggle), you may walk away with a first draft manuscript.

Look into Nanowrimo folks. Even for the peripheral writer, this contest could be the spark you for which you are looking. No one can beat you out but yourself. You achieve the word count, you win. This contest is that simple. You even get a certificate when you win.

Sign-up for Nanowrimo is available throughout the month, so even if you start late, you can get in. Late sign-up just increases your minimum daily word count requirements. Personally, I tend to write in bursts of thousands of words and then write hundreds of words on other days.

Challenge yourself. Jump on in! The writing's fine!