National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month
URLwww.nanowrimo.org ywp.nanowrimo.org (for younger participants)
CommercialNo
LaunchedJuly 1, 1999; 25 years ago (1999-07-01)
Current statusActive

National Novel Writing Month, often shortened to NaNoWriMo (/ˌnænoʊˈraɪmoʊ/ NAN-oh-RY-moh),[1] is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that promotes creative writing around the world. Its flagship program is an annual, international creative writing event in which participants attempt to write a 50,000-word manuscript during the month of November.[2] Well-known authors write "pep-talks" in order to motivate participants during the month.[3] The website provides participants, called "Wrimos", with tips for writer's block, information on where local participants are meeting, and an online community of support. Focusing on the length of a work rather than the quality, writers are encouraged to finish their first draft quickly so it can be edited later at their discretion.[4] The project started in July 1999 with 21 participants.[5] In 2022, 413,295 people participated in the organization's programs.[6]

Writers wishing to participate first register on the project's website, where they can post profiles and information about their novels, including synopses and excerpts. Regional volunteers called "Municipal Liaisons" help connect local writers, hold in-person and virtual writing events, and provide encouragement.

  1. ^ "All Things Considered Story about NaNoWriMo". Npr.org. November 7, 2002. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  2. ^ Charleston, Libby-Jane (November 8, 2015). "NaNoWriMo: A Month To Write A Book". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 24, 2017.
  3. ^ "NaNoWriMo". nanowrimo.org. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  4. ^ Kellogg, Carolyn (November 3, 2010). "12 reasons to ignore the naysayers: Do NaNoWriMo". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  5. ^ Grant, Lindsey (December 1, 2010). "The Office of Letters and Light Blog – The Great NaNoWriMo Stats Party". Blog.lettersandlight.org. Archived from the original on December 3, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
  6. ^ "About Us". NaNoWriMo. Retrieved November 4, 2023.