Write a Novel in a Month with the Library
What is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)?
Since 1999, NaNoWriMo has challenged writers to pen a novel in 30 days. The goal for participating writers is to reach 50,000 words during the month of November. Now a nonprofit organization, it helps motivate, connect, and inspire writers to keep doing what they do best – write.
Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” If there’s a story you’ve been inspired to tell, join us this November for National Novel Writing Month.
This year, the library wants to help make sure you have a fun and productive NaNoWriMo. We have upcoming programs to prepare you for NaNoWriMo and to keep you motivated to finish the month strong.
NaNoWriMo Programs
NaNoWriMo Preptober
Wednesday, Oct. 27
6-7:30 pm
Ages: 18+
Cold Spring Branch
Join other local writers as they prepare for NaNoWriMo’s kickoff in November. Whether you’re a new writer or a NaNoWriMo veteran, we’ll make sure you’re ready to take on November’s writing adventure.
NaNoWriMo Midpoint Push
Monday, Nov. 15
6-7:30 pm
Ages: 18+
Cold Spring Branch
Catch up with other writers as we hit the halfway mark. It doesn’t matter if you’re on track to meeting your 50k word goal or need some extra help getting to the midpoint, join us to connect with local writers and keep each other motivated to tackle the rest of the month.
NaNoWriMo Wrap Up!
Tuesday, Nov. 30
6-7:30 pm
Ages: 18+
Cold Spring Branch
After all your hard work writing, you will definitely deserve a chance to celebrate the end of NaNoWriMo and all you have accomplished throughout the month! No matter how many words you wrote (or didn’t write) in November, you are welcome to come mingle with other writers and discuss your NaNoWriMo experience.
Books Written During NaNoWriMo
If you ask us, NaNoWriMo is the perfect chance to write that book that has been living in your head while also having the support of other writers. But don’t just take our word for it though – many bestselling books were written during past NaNoWriMos. Maybe one of your favorite authors has also participated in the national event!
You can find these books written during NaNoWriMo in our collection:
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen
Wool by Hugh Howey
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Wicker King by Kayla Ancrum
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Writing Tips
Need writing inspiration? Want to learn some tips of the trade? Look no further than these books from our collection:
On Writing by Stephen King
On Writing by Charles Bukowski
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark
Still Writing: The Pleasure and Perils of a Creative Life by Dani Shapiro
I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop by Mur Lafferty
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