My first experience with NaNoWriMo was way back in 2007. I enrolled in a workshop filled with like-minded writers, seeking collective inspiration and support to write our novels. Led by an instructor, the workshop offered advice and tips on completing our 50,000-word novels. We met each week to share updates on our progress, with weekly word count goals, and encouragement to each other. I’ve now given it a second try.
What is NaNoWriMo?
According to NaNoWriMo, the concept of the month-long event originated in 1999, “as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days.” Over time, the event has grown significantly, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide to sit down on the first of November, with one goal — to write a 50,000 word long first draft novel.
NaNoWriMo operates as a nonprofit organization, designed to inspire aspiring writers who may struggle to find motivation without a set deadline.
How Did I Do?
At the end of my first NaNoWriMo I fell just short of my goal of writing 50,000 words, completing only about 45,000. However, as far as I was concerned, I considered it a success. My book had a beginning, a middle and an end, and I liked it. However…
