For many NaNoWriMo may be a foreign acronym that sounds like you’re either asking your Nana to stop feeding you rye bread, or the latest workout craze that’s going viral on social media.  In reality, the term stands for National Novel Writing Month. It’s a movement that has been gaining momentum, and is a mainstay for many writers to regather inspiration and kickstart their new project.  Even prolific writers will take part in the challenge.

NaNoWriMo’s website states, “Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.”  The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel within the month of November.   

I intend to work on a novella (short novel) this November.  In all honesty I started this project last NaNoWriMo and hope to at least push it forward this year. Everyone who participates in the challenge is rewarded with having made an effort, and true success is measured in what happens after November.  Will you keep writing? Will the manuscript sit around and gather dust for a year… like mine?

Throughout November, while I work feverishly to bring you the December edition of the Deer Park Gazette, I will also be attempting to add thousands of words to my novella.  Come that December issue, I will report on the amount of my success. I will also bring you a story or two from other local authors who will be NaNoWriMo-ing too.

One such local author is Kaitlyn Leyva, who was featured in Local Talent earlier this year.  Ms. Leyva says, “Mostly what I hope to gain from NaNoWriMo is a month of buckling down and focusing on my writing. It’s easy to let life get in the way, especially now that I have a child. NaNoWriMo helps me refocus, and invest a solid month into my books.”

My hope is that by sharing our experience, we can inspire other writers, both adept and aspiring.  If you like to see words fly across your computer screen, or are intoxicated by the feel of pen to paper, then NaNoWriMo with us.