Happy National Novel Writing Month, everyone!

For the uninitiated, no, it isn’t a month of celebrating the wonders of writing.

It’s a month of self-inflicted literary suffering.

NaNoWriMo is a project where participants attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in November, which averages out to 1,667 words a day.

I’ve participated a few times over the years, won it once, and haven’t done it since. It’s not a system that works for me, at least not right now.

But there’s a whole community that revolves around NaNo and it’d be silly not to take part in it. There are local communities run by local moderators who put together write ins and writing sprints and places to hang out, complain, and ask for advice. At the start, at least, there’s a real festive air to the whole thing. (TBD how it’s looking closer to December 1st.)

The NaNOrlando group is particularly vibrant. Orlando is a surprisingly literary city so it makes sense. I’m in the Discord and there are people in there every hour of the day talking outlines, manuscripts, and Optimal Writing Locations.

If you’ve been feeling lonely about writing (and who hasn’t at some point or another) look for your local NaNo group!

And good luck to everyone trying it out this year! My writing org, Sisters in Crime, is sponsoring this year so expect a lot of murder in the manuscripts around you.

If you’re looking for motivation, check out Kristina Horner’s classic NaNo anthem on the way.