National Novel Writing Month - NaNoWriMo  (November 1, 2006)

by Nikki Leigh

NaNo is a special writing competition that is held each November. The participation grows each year. You may have noticed that I plan to begin each novel in November. That's because NaNo gives me the opportunity to focus on getting the first 50,000 words (200 pages) of a new story on paper.

I wanted to share some tips and insights for people who are considering participating in National Novel Writing Month. Here are some additional pages with information to help you.

NaNo Intro Page

NaNo Tips to Help You Get Started

Story Preparation Ideas for NaNo

NaNo Necessities

The first year (2002), I jumped in unprepared and managed to put 55.767 words on paper. This became back story for Stormy View, but it proved to me that I could put 50,000 words on paper in one month. This was done while working 50 hours a week.

My second year (2003), I prepared a rough outline and character sketches for Widow's Walk. I knew what I wanted to write in the first half of the book and plowed into NaNo with a plan. The first 21 chapters are very similar to the work I did during NaNo.

My third year (2004), I started Lady Light Keeper. The first 50,710 words were put on paper in November. In December 2004, I'm polishing the final draft of Widow's Walk, and will start on Part Two of Lady Light Keeper in January 2005.

My fourth year (2005), I wrote my first non fiction book to be released under my name - Shri Henkel - 365 Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Commit Every Day: How and Why to Avoid Them. My 20 years of management experience should come in very handy with this project. It will be available for sale in June 2006.

If there is anyone reading this who would like to join in on NaNo feel free to drop me a note or check the website at NaNoWriMo. The encouragement of knowing that tens of thousands of other people throughout the world are plowing ahead on their projects is very encouraging. You should give it a try. Even if you don't manage 50,000 words, you will have more than you did in October :)