On August 4, 2022, Cisco Writers Club member Helen Cozart brought us information about National Novel Writing Month, affectionately called NaNoWriMo, that has happened every November since 1999. It’s an international program to help writers finish in one month the draft of a novel or other manuscript of 50,000 words. Writers sign up beforehand and set daily writing goals. Each day they log in to record their word count. Reaching that goal at month’s end earns them a certificate from NaNoWriMo plus a great sense of accomplishment. New CWC member Priscilla Bettis (above) of Carbon told us she has achieved that goal five times!
The writing happens in November, but ideally you’ve done a lot of preparation before that. The organization’s website, NaNoWriMo.org, has many tools to use throughout the year so you’re poised and ready to go on November first. It also offers ways to connect with other writers undertaking this challenge.
Helen passed out a booklet called “NaNo Prep 101: A six-week workshop and resource guide for writers” with segments on developing your story idea; creating complex, believable characters; plot; building a strong world for your characters; organizing your life to accommodate this adventure; and finding and managing time.
Helen handed out a character development exercise found in “NaNo Prep 101.” It focused on a secondary character, the protagonist’s best friend. Questions ranged from “What’s the worst thing that ever happened to him?” to “What’s something he is insecure about?” CWC members worked through the thought-provoking list, then shared their answers with the group.
Under Helen’s guidance as librarian, Ranger College will host a NaNoWriMo event at the Golemon Library on November 10 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. You’re invited to join others for an evening of intense writing.
Cisco Writers Club 