The 撸奶社区Public Library is inviting local writers to drop in on two separate Sundays in November as part of National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, the world's largest writing challenge.
If you've ever considered writing a novel, join the more than 250,000 people around the world who, on Tuesday (Nov. 1) will set out to do just that in one month. Participation is free and open to everyone.
"We love to support literacy-driven activities and local writers as much as we can. This event ties in nicely with our mission statement; to encourage a lifelong enjoyment of reading and learning by providing equal access for all to local and global resources in a welcoming environment," said Nancy Warwick, the library's adult program coordinator.
NaNoWriMo is a non-profit event that encourages kids and adults to tackle the challenge of writing a 50,000-word novel in one month.
There are no judges and no prizes. The main goal is to write an average of 1,667 words per day by the Nov. 30 deadline.
Local author Margreet Dietz participated in 2010. The result is From My Mother, the first novel by Dietz, who has authored four non-fiction books.
"NaNoWriMo gave me the motivation to learn more about writing fiction and the courage to finish a novel," says Dietz who will participate again next month. "Aiming for word count is a very liberating way to write a first draft. You revise and polish later."
Inspired by a true story, From My Mother explores identity through the parallel stories of a marathoner tackling her first 100-kilometre ultra run and her maternal grandmother who fled Czechoslovakia in the aftermath of a Communist coup d'etat. The novel considers some of life's fundamental questions, who am I? and, where do I come from? through the main character, Nadia, as the distance runner embarks on her biggest challenge yet along the roads of British Columbia's Lower Mainland.
Billed as 30 days and 30 nights of literary abandon, NaNoWriMo has been held annually since 1999 and is aimed at helping budding and experienced novelists get past the internal critic they all struggle with in the early stages of the writing process.
"The 50,000-word challenge has a wonderful way of opening up your imagination and unleashing creativity," said Chris Baty, NaNoWriMo founder and executive director. "When you write for quantity instead of quality, you end up getting both. Also, it's a great excuse for not doing any dishes for a month."
To join, register at www.NaNoWriMo.org. Bring your laptop and join Dietz at the 撸奶社区Public Library on either Nov. 6 or 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to complete your daily word count together.
For information please email Dietz [email protected]
