NaNoWriMo 2012

National Novel Writing Month is coming.

November, 2012.

What? You've never heard of it? As if! But just in case...

From the NaNoWriMo website: 

"National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing on November 1. The goal is to write a 50,000-word (approximately 175-page) novel by 11:59:59 PM on November 30.

"Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

"As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.

"In 2011, we had 256,618 participants and 36,843 of them crossed the 50K finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists."

I have participated in NaNoWriMo since 2006. I didn't "win" that year, but I've participated every November since - and won! I plan to continue winning. Not all the stories I write through NaNo will become novels. They are 50,000 word exercises to keep my mind active and my writing muscles toned.

coffee table from Chul An Kwak 

I'm excited about this year. I'm considering venturing into new genre territory. I've been challenged to attempt a Supernatural tale of a cursed table. We'll see -- once November is over -- if I decided to go there!




In the meantime, I have to to with characters, scribble down scene ideas and trap random plot bunnies before they lead me astray. I've already got my cushioned rocking chair, comfy slippers and a variety of music at my disposal. I need to get to the store before hurricane Sandy comes up the coast (they say we might get snow!) and lay in a large supply of dark chocolate, pistachios. and black cherry/fruit punch water flavoring. I'd better print out that warning sign my writing partner, Robin, designed for me to keep the family at bay. So what if it's Thanksgiving?? I'm writin' here!


Oh, I'm going to need my special NaNo flash drive bracelet, too.


Better go order that.


See you on the other side, folks!