For the past two months, most of my writing time has been dedicated to plotting a story line and developing characters. All of this in preparation as I approach November 1, to participate in the National Novel Writing Month, also known as, NaNoWriMo.
In my travel journey across the US, I have attended writers groups in Fredericksburg VA, St. Louis Mo, Scotts Bluff NE, and the South West Writers in my current location of Albuquerque NM. All of my visits provided me with an opportunity to interact with fellow passionate writers.
Today, I attended a “NaNoWriMo,” group at the Cherry Hill Library in Albuquerque NM. Rene Mullens who is a “NaNoWriMo,” Municipal Liason volunteer provided a presentation covering all of the intricacies of the yearly event. Rene is a writer with several publications on his website. Click the link on his name above for his biography and more information.
Fourteen people attended seeking information to participate and hopefully complete the month-long event, of writing a 50,000-word novel. Of those in attendance, only three finished last year’s event including myself.
Rene Mullens spoke of the support provided with local writing locations, word sprints, writing prompts, virtual write in’s, plot duckies and stickers. Many questions were asked and answered covering all of these issues including what particular writing programs to use to complete the challenge. Several sponsors offer discounts on select writing programs. Click the NaNoWriMo link above for detailed information and check the definitions below.
Writing prompts – A writing prompt is simply a topic around which you start jotting down ideas. The prompt could be a single word, a short phrase, a complete paragraph or even a picture, with the idea being to give you something to focus upon as you write.
Word Sprints – Also called word war is a short timed challenge in which NaNoWriMo participants write as much as they can in a short period.
Virtual Write In’s – A virtual write in, happens online, with no need to be in a particular physical location. They can occur via chat room, social media, or Google Hangouts.
Plot Duckies – A small plastic or rubber creativity “Duck” to help writers to be better creative writers, whether you write short stories or novels.
Stickers – Plastic or paper stickers for your laptop or any other items.
Rene’s wisdom and advice were well received.