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Most people at some point in their life will have considered writing a novel, be it an autobiography, satire, crime, romance, or a fantasy, but very few in comparison will actually do it and I imagine some of you reading this will know that situation all too well. It is remarkably easy to dismiss a flash of inspiration as a fanciful idea not worthy of much attention, but from now on I implore you to write these ideas down and hold onto them because this November they might be the most precious thing you own.
I would like to introduce you to something of a worldwide phenomenon; it’s called National Novel Writing Month, or, as it’s more affectionately known, Nanowrimo or simply Nano.
The name itself is fairly self-explanatory but it certainly doesn’t give you the full picture. Nanowrimo, it is safe to say, is for crazy people. Participating is no easy feat. Should you accept the challenge, you will be writing 50,000 words in the space of 30 days. A novel in a month. It’s quite a sickening thought.
Unfortunately, Nanowrimo is exclusive to November. Having participated once before I know that this can be an inconvenient time of year; a project which requires this much time and dedication would be more suited to the summer break, but don’t let that put you off. If you want to win and you have the inspiration, you’ll write around even the busiest schedule. Obviously there is nothing stopping you from writing a whole novel in another month, but as this is a “rule” of Nano, it is easier to exercise self-discipline and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that thousands of other people across the globe are on the same frantic dash towards becoming a novelist as you.
Other than the actual challenge itself, there is another aspect to Nano which is really rather marvellous and that is the website: NaNoWriMo.org
If you feel you have the superpowers designed to blitz the word count, or you simply want to challenge yourself to see how much you can really write (you might get a shock), then sign up on the website. Throughout the month you can update your word count on the site at any time, but when the clock strikes midnight your time is up. Of course you can cheat and enter any figure you like in order to look impressive on the forums, but just remember that 100,000,000 words is hardly believable and to properly “win” the site requires you to upload your novel as proof . Plus, actually writing 50,000 words will give you much more satisfaction and the immutable right to be unbearably smug for a very long time.
One thing that concerns most people, particularly those new to the concept of Nano, is how it is possible to write anything credible in such a short space of time. The point of Nano is that the quality of the content doesn’t matter. You are bound to write a lot of drivel and you’ll most likely cringe if you dare to re-read it. In the end, the aim is to hit the 50,000 mark and to have done it with as much enthusiasm and determination as you can muster.
If you do find yourself struggling at any point in the process to bulk up your word count and you need a plot point, or you’re not sure what to name a character’s pet giraffe or you simply need a sympathetic ear, then the forums on the website are the best place to go. This is the central hub of Nano where ideas from the gruesome, to the sincere, to silly, to the downright disturbing come to flourish and opinions and queries about anything can be shared. The forum is active throughout the whole year so there is never a lack of inspiration or response.
On the forum you will find a section dedicated to boosting your word count through any means possible. Blatant cheating is by no means taboo, so feel free to have each of your characters burst into song at any point in your novel just so you can write out the lyrics in full. However, if you’d rather take the honest approach, I would recommend compiling a survival kit to alleviate the pressure. This usually contains chocolate, teabags, post-its and a thesaurus, but it’s really up to you.
If you really, really can’t write in November but you still want to join in the fun, then there are other alternatives. Script Frenzy is the playwright’s equivalent of Nano which happens in April. It’s a lot different to Nano in the presentation – it asks for pages rather than words – but this makes it easier to cheat... (Double spacing and size 72 font, anyone?)
So, I congratulate you if you have made it this far and not wilted at the thought. I urge you to give it a go, whether you feel like it may kill you or not. Nanowrimo is “thirty days and nights of literary abandon” so please take the opportunity to write like you’ve never written before and let your imagination explode.
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