Today marks the start of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), a month in which fiction writers double-down and attempt to write a 50,000 word (or more) novel during the 30 days of November. Participates officially sign up on the NaNoWriMo website and submit their manuscript at the end of November to get the word-count checked.
As a non-fiction writer, I've always been a wistful witnessing the enthusiasm and community spirit of the would-be novelists participating in NaNoWriMo. I mean - I love it! Trying to complete a novel in one month? That's inspired!
But there's no need for envy.
Yesterday, while reading the Writer’s Sherpa blog, I was excited to learn that there is also a NaNonFiWriMo challenge going on. Anyone who accepts this challenge will do his or her best to complete any work of non-fiction by the end of this month.
Unlike our novelist counterparts, we non-fiction writers don’t have to meet a word count or officially enter a competition. And it doesn’t matter if you already started writing the piece prior to November. This a personal writing challenge, pure and simple. The only prize is the deep satisfaction of having completed a non-fiction writing goal.
As a bonus, Nina Amir, the author who started NaNonFiWriMo, is offering 30 days of blog posts from top writing experts offering tips on writing non-fiction and how to get that work published. You can read more about the NaNonFiWriMo challenge on Nina’s blog.
I definitely need this kind of fire under my butt to finish my “Kids in Paris” ebook, so count me in!
Any expat freelancers out there with me? Let’s help each other to get some serious work done this month!! Please leave a comment if you are taking up the challenge!