Author: Laura Denlinger

Donalee G White originally shared this post in November 2014. It’s too good not to share again. 

Writing for NaNoWriMo is like the wildest roller coaster ride at Carrowinds, or white water rafting, or skydiving at 10,500 feet above the earth, or even hiking the Appalachian Trail. I know because I’ve done all of these things. I’ve written a new 50,000 word novel for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) every year since November 2008. All of these activities have several key characteristics in common: they’re adrenaline addicting; they take minimal to extensive preparation—your choice; they have their ups and downs; and best of all, they are exciting to the extreme.

Every year since 1999, when 21 writers got together in July in the San Francisco bay area, NaNoWriMo has grown into a worldwide online novel-writing party. In November 2013, there were 310,095 participants. To get started, sign on to the website. It is free, and it is fun! Find a writer’s group in any area of the country or world, including your own back yard, to join for virtual “write-ins.” Receive tips on getting started, story inspiration, digging out of the third week doldrums, and flying in for a fabulous finish.

For me, it is the ultimate writer’s block buster. Even if I haven’t written a creative word all year, on November first I’ll sit down at my computer and compose at least 1667 words a day for thirty days. And, it will be a wild, rollicking, story ride. Something magical happens; my muse possesses me; and the story lurking in the recesses of my cranium pours forth onto the page.