November is National Novel Writing Month - Are You an Aspiring Author?
Every November, aspiring authors from around the world come together to create a novel in a month. That's a lot of writing in 30 days! If you're participating in NaNoWriMo this year, read on to see how to keep your energy and focus going for that epic event.
What the Heck is NaNoWriMo?
NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month has been supporting aspiring novelists since 1999. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that "believes in the transformational power of creativity." Over the years they have built the resources and community to encourage and support those looking for their voices, achieving their creative goals, and discovering worlds both written and physical.
The basic challenge of NaNoWriMo is to end the month of November with a 50,000 words written towards a new novel. Though it began with that as the goal, in 2006 it morphed into the nonprofit it is today, supporting writing fluency and education.
How Can I Get Involved?
You think NaNoWriMo sounds cool? Fantastic! There is a NaNoWriMo website designed to support those who dive into the challenge headfirst. No matter where you hail from, there are communities set up on the website to support you. If you don't find one, start your own! Support encompasses everything from a word counter to pep talks, word sprints to help fleshing out a character, discussing plots to alternative wording.
I Don't Want to Write But I Want to Support the Cause
You don't have to write to be a part of it. You can make a donation to keep things going and help those who are writing. Head over to the website to learn more. (nanowrimo.org) Whether you just want to make a donation or want to purchase something from their shop, every little bit helps.
I Definitely Want To Write
That's awesome news! To take part, head over to the website and sign up. It's free and only takes a few minutes. You can announce your novel, find your community, and get started. There are multiple ways to motivate yourself. Join a community event. Online sprints are a great way to churn through some words. Finding buddies to support and motivate you is another way to get moving. Make sure to track your words in the site to get those badges!
You can also use the free resources on the website to set yourself up for success. NaNo Prep walks you through outlining, story development, character development, and more. Published authors chime in to share words of wisdom that got them to where they are today. You can even share your novel writing journey with banners and images you can share across your social media accounts.
How Can I Keep This Up?
Do you need more than that? Burning the candle at both ends and could use a little boost? We've got you covered. Choose your favorite coffee or tea to keep you going on your novel adventure. With so many to choose from, you sure do have enough to give you that energy you need to power through a night of writing.
Writing a romance? Try our Kenya AA single-origin, our Organic Ethiopia Sidamo Fair Trade, Renew Iced Coffee Blend, our Chocolate Island Flavored coffee, or our Jasmine with Flowers Tea.
Suspense is more your style? Our Guatemala Antigua, our Sumatra Black Satin, our Highlander Grogg Flavored coffee, or our Lapsang Souchong Tea might be just what you need.
Going the fantasy route? Check out our Jamaica Blue Mountain Estate, our Organic Guatemala 'Santiago Atitlan' Fair Trade, our Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Flavored coffee, or our Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose Tea.
Well? How about it? Will you be joining the ranks of novel writers this month? Get out there and tell your unique story!