Friday, October 15, 2010

Thirty Days and Nights of Literary Abandon

Last year I came across this awesome program and some of my fellow book bloggers have already started chatting about it. It sounds incredible and I really, REALLY want to do it.  What is it you ask?  It's NaNoWriMo! Basically the goal is to write 175 pages or a 50,000 word novel by November 30th at midnight.  


Here's what the website says:  
What: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.
Who: You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.
Why: The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.
When: You can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.


I LOVE writing, but I never find the time to actually pursue it and while I'm sure I won't reach the goal, I would love to at least try.  But I already feel so completely overextended at work! Between grading essays, report cards, parent conferences, mentoring fellow teachers, helping struggling students, working on the Writing Committee, etc,....I'm super busy! Plus, I need time to read?!  So, needless to say, I really want to join, but am very hesitant.  What do you guys think? Did anyone sign up for it?  At least I have a few weeks to decide, but I can't deny how great it would be to be a part of NaNoWriMo 2010!


Happy Friday,

9 comments:

  1. Haha! Great minds! I've been thinking of doing a blog post on this too, although I can't decide whether I should actually take part. I also love to write, but my problem is concentration. I think to write properly I would need to go on a writers retreat with NO COMPUTERS!! I signed up to this last year and didn't write a word. lol! But I am considering it again - I'll let you know! :)

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  2. I would love to do this. I always have wanted to write a novel but, like you, I have never found the time with all of my other commitments. To be an author one day is my dream! (but this is only possible if I actually write something)

    I wish that this was in July. In the summer, I only tutor so it would fit right in. Let me know if you decide to do it. I may join you.

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  3. I'm participating for the very first time this year! :) It looks both fun and totally insane, so I'm totally game for it. I have no idea how I will write 50,000 words, but I seriously hope that I can get at least half the goal this year. :)

    You can add me as a writing buddy (username: savvythewritergirl)

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  4. I've signed up - last year was my first year and I was amazed at how much I got written. Even if you don't make the 50,000 - it will drive you to get more words down than you usually would.
    They have a young writers group too on the site, you could make it a classroom project (kids get to choose their word count, so could go for 5,000 or something). Give it a go, you've nothing to lose :-)

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  5. I am doing this in my classroom for the first time this year, and am so excited! They offer plenty of ready-to-use lesson plans (every teacher's dream) and tips for kids. I'll let you know how it goes!

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  6. So I did it last year and I did get to the 50000 target. It was hard! But I am the sort of person who if they decide to do something, does it no matter what.

    I haven't decided about this year yet. I am leaving it to the last minute to decide. I am under a lot of pressure at work and I'm doing a writing evening class so I'm not sure if I should be focusing on that.

    If you do it, I wish you lots of luck!

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  7. I know what you mean- I am a science teacher, so not a writer, but there is something about this challenge that seems so enticing. I'd love to give it a go. I wrote a lot of fiction in middle school, but somehow I stopped.

    I think you should go ahead and do it!

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  8. Leanna- I know. I would love to do this in July when I am not working!! I am always distracted by something.

    Lit for Lunch- I know! I was thinking about how awesome this would be if it were in July! I'll let you know if I do it!

    Savannah- Thanks for sharing your username. If I do it, we should be writing buddies!

    Charmaine- Thanks for the info. I will have to check out the Young Writers Group!

    Ashlee- Maybe my honors English would want to do something like this....great idea!

    Becky- I hear ya. I am definitely overwhelmed at work and not sure if I should be taking on another commitment so to speak.....let me know if you decide!

    Allison- That is awesome you signed up! I will let you know if I decide. I need to decide soon and I'm glad you took the plunge!

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