Every November, writers around the world rise to a friendly, but ambitious, challenge: produce a rough draft of a novel in just 30 days. That’s the heart of National Novel Writing Month, more commonly called NaNoWriMo. For the most aspiring novelist, it is the catalyst needed to take on the daunting task of following a dream, to be a published author. I’ve never published a novel, but I have written several children’s books, a guide to the Victorian homes in Cape May and some tennis publications. My children, friends, and family have enjoyed my work. But like many creative people, once the creative process is over, there isn’t always the commitment to the final details. In my case, I had what I thought were some great ideas for promoting my children’s books, but I never got around to pursuing publication. I just kept writing because that’s what I enjoyed. Oh well. Half of a dream is better than no dream at all.
Perhaps if there had been a group like NaNoWriMo when I graduated with a BA in English, I would have been more inclined to seriously pursue writing. But NaNoWriMo wasn’t founded until 1999 by Chris Baty, who challenged 20 friends to write 50,000 words in the month of July. That first experiment was small, but its spirit caught on. In 2000, the challenge was shifted to November. The gloomy winter weather was more conducive to staying inside to write for 30 days. Over time, this challenge expanded from a local writing dare into a global movement. Thousands participated within a few years. Then millions joined over the decades. Over the years, the event saw the creation of writing forums, meet-ups, writes-ins, pep talks, and a strong online community. Libraries and universities even promoted the event.
One of NaNoWriMo’s core rules is simplicity: The project must be new, must be written solo, and the “win” is reaching at least 50,000 words by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. That’s 50,000 written in 30 days! The goal is not literary perfection, but momentum, discipline, and the courage to put yourself out there and to produce a first draft of your novel that can later be edited.
Unfortunately, the original nonprofit behind NANoWriMo announced its planned closure, citing financial challenges and internal issues. Despite its closure, many writers are already pledging to keep the spirit alive: to write, to encourage others to write, and to keep November the month of creative daring.
I don’t expect to have inspired any of my readers to give up golf, tennis, bocce or cornhole to start writing the next great American novel, but what about this challenge. Write a 500- word article for The Heron. It’s not hard. Write about something you know: a hobby, an exciting vacation, or a special interest. I’ve written for the paper for almost three years and every article I write gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Creative writing feeds the soul.
At the end of your article, make note as to whether or not this article prompted you to write for The Heron. I’d like to know who accepted my challenge.
