NaNoWriMo – the tongue-twister abbreviation for National Novel Writing Month – brings thousands of people across North America together to support each other in the gargantuan task of writing a 50,000-word novel in the month of November (or, for many diligent Wrimos, 1,667 words per day).
Encouragement from other writers is a strong motivational tool, so libraries in Simcoe County have put together a calendar of NaNoWriMo events to help aspiring writers and novelists achieve their word count.
BWG Library will be hosting a virtual write-in on November 20 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Write-ins are generally a combination of writing exercise, competition and social event, featuring activities such as “word sprints”, where participants write as many words as possible in five- or ten-minute bursts. We invite all local Wrimos to join us to spark inspiration and boost your word count as NaNoWriMo goes into the home stretch. Click here to register.
There are many more events planned this month, including opportunities to hear from fantastic authors who will share tips and motivation to help you succeed with the writing and publishing processes:
- On November 17, author Tracy L. Ward will be talking about self-publishing, hosted by the Essa Public Library.
- On November 21, Wasaga Beach Public Library hosts an event on memoir writing with award-winning author and journalist Anna Bokma.
- On November 25, Barrie Public Library welcomes author J.L. Witterick to talk about “Writing Characters Readers Won't Forget”.
You’ll find links to register for these and more events – and recordings of some that you may have already missed – on the BWG Library website.
While writing 50,000 words is a lofty goal, the support network and events during NaNoWriMo help make the task manageable and exciting. And, if one is lucky, they could even become a published author by the time the new year rolls around!
