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!

The Rogues Gallery Writers Short Story Contest

My fellow Rogues and I give you a treat. A short story contest with a twist. Our upcoming book, Writing is Easy is just about in the editing phase. The winner of this contest will get to share pages with the Rogues. Elite company, to be sure.

The winner will also receive an official Rogues Gallery Writers T-shirt and stationary. Three copies of the book will also be awarded this fortunate writer. Contests are great fun. Just entering is a victory and I encourage everyone to take their shot.

The cool thing about this contest is that you will be contributing to helping other writers. The twist of this contest is that all submissions must answer four questions about their story. These questions are designed to show other writers what thought processes you use when constructing a story.

The Rogues have done this with their stories that are in the book already. Once complete, this book should be a very interesting read for writers everywhere. So take the plunge. Jump in with both feet and enter the contest. Come join the Rogues on their journey to helping writers learn more about their craft.

Tell them DarkThorn sent you!