Around 500,000 people are beginning writing projects this November as part of National Novel Writing Month. So far, participants are two weeks into Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) and about 20,000+ words deep into a messy manuscript or other writing projects. So far, the nonprofit organization has raised $1,065,768 from over 16,965 donors. These donations help to fund the organization and contribute to the wonderful writing community that Nanowrimo has helped to establish.
The famous challenge during Nanowrimo is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. With the full support and encouragement from other determined writers around the world.
Since 1999, Nanowrimo has served as a platform for writers of all ages to come together to write and create. You may be wondering why 50k? Well, according to the organization, “We’ve found that 50,000 words is a challenging but achievable goal for many people, even folks with full-time jobs and children. And, though on the shorter side, it’s definitely long enough to be considered a novel: 50,000 words is about the length of The Great Gatsby.”
Not to mention, the list goes on for writing projects that can be started during Nanowrimo. Like a film script, graphic novel, essays, etc. will do for Nanowrimo. The word count goal doesn’t necessarily have to be the intimidating 50k either. Basically, writers set their own goals and Nanowrimo helps to keep them on track with that goal with the help of around 900 volunteers to help aspiring writers.
According to their website, “NaNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.” Additionally, since 2006 “NaNoWriMo is a nonprofit organization that supports writing fluency and education. But it’s also a social network for writers…” It is this social networking and writing community that really makes Nanowrimo what it is. The organization also aims at “… creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of writers.”
This makes Nanowrimo an excellent experience for young writers as well. “Each year, over 100,000 young writers under 18 enjoy our youth-friendly writing space, progress tracking tools, and Young Novelist Workbooks.” Around 80,000 of those being students and educators who share their stories in the classroom through the Young Writers Program.
It is important to mention that Nanowrimo isn’t limited to the month of November. The nonprofit organization also holds a similar event called, Camp Nanowrimo every April and July for all ages.
Additionally, Nanowrimo might have also served as the foreground for one of your favorite novels. According to Jill Grunenwald of OverDrive.com, Erin Morgenstern’s, The Night Circus and Marissa Meyer’s, three novels Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress all began as Nanowrimo drafts to name a few. Just think, you could be the next bestseller!
For more on Nanowrimo check out these links: