Ready, Set, Write! NaNoWriMo Challenges You to Write a Novel in 30 Days. Yes, Really!

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), an annual event that challenges writers around the globe to pen a novel in 30 days. Yes, it’s possible!

Possible? Yes. Easy? No. Most NaNoWriMo participants will tell you that this is the toughest (and most rewarding) writing challenge there is. Last year, NaNoWriMo supported 445,179 participants on six continents with pep talks and tips from famous writers, a supportive online community, local events and more. Need inspiration? Here are just a few best-selling books that started with the NaNoWriMo challenge: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, Fan Girl by Rainbow Rowell, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and Wool by Hugh Howey. Maybe your novel will appear on this list next year!

What is NaNoWriMo? NaNoWriMo is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel. Visit nanowrimo.org to learn more and be inspired to start your journey to becoming a novelist.

How can you participate? It’s very easy! Enroll. Write. Click here to learn more about the steps and how to enroll at nanowrimo.org. You choose your writing path from November 1-30. If you’re looking for support, or just a little company, come to our NaNoWriMo events (below). Can’t get away? Join online forums, share your joys (and your challenges) with fellow writers, challenge yourself with NaNoWriMo badge programs and more at NaNoWriMo.org.

Ready to start? We're here to help. This year, we’re partnering with NaNoWriMo to help you meet the challenge and achieve your goals. The Writing Studio at Harper CE offers two programs to help you achieve your NaNoWriMo goals:

• Free Write-In Sessions: We’ll help you complete your NaNoWriMo writing challenge by providing an open classroom for you to use on Friday nights and Saturday mornings throughout November. Bring your laptop (free Wifi available) or pen and paper and use our space to add to your word count. This open, non-instructional workspace is available to you on these dates: Fridays, 11/3-12/1, 6-10 p.m. and Saturdays, 11/4-12/2, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Note: no Write-Ins on 11/24 and 11/25 (campus closed). Come in as long and as often as you wish. FREE! Harper Main Campus, Building Y, Room Y 120.

• If you’re looking for more structure, try our new class: WRITE A NOVEL IN 30 DAYS WORKSHOP: THE NANOWRIMO CHALLENGE (LLA 0248): Writing a novel is a momentous achievement that can take years of work. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenges you to create your first draft in thirty days. Is this possible? Yes! Every year, authors meet the challenge. Many turn their NaNoWriMo drafts into published books. Take the express route to achieving your authoring dreams with this accelerated novel workshop. We will review novel elements, participate in group critiques, experiment with creative writing exercises, and take advantage of in-class novel writing time. From novel planning, to writing, to next steps, this class will help you reach your goal. No class 11/23. Tuition: $349. Wednesdays, 10/25-12/6, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Click here for course and tuition details.

Register for Write-Ins and NaNoWriMo Workshop online or call 847.925.6300.

Let us know how you’re doing via Twitter @harpercollegece, on FaceBook at HarperCollegeCE, or email at cemktg@harpercollege.edu. Follow us to keep up with fellow NaNoWriMo writer’s progress and learn about fun promotions. Click here to learn more about our courses and programs at The Writing Studio.

Good luck, writers!