Community Corner

Can You Write a Novel in 30 Days?

The Vernon Area Public Library is hosting a NaNoWriMo program. Aspiring authors from grade 3 to adult are invited to participate.

The popular National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) returns to the Vernon Area Public Library, starting with a kick-off at 7 p.m. Oct. 29.

Based on the library’s success with its first NaNoWriMo endeavor in 2012, the library will host a series of events with published authors to help Chicago-area writers reach their NaNoWriMo goal of writing a novel in 30 days.

NaNoWriMo is an annual international fiction-writing extravaganza that encourages writers to create a novel from scratch during November. Each year, more than 250,000 people around the world set out to become novelists during the annual creative writing challenge. Aspiring authors from grade 3 to adult are welcome to participate.

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Adult participants pledge to write 50,000 words in a month and reach their goal by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30. In support of their efforts, the Vernon Area Library provides writers with space, mentoring by local authors, camaraderie, and refreshments to keep them fueled. Library programming provide a supportive environment, turning the usually solitary act of writing into a community experience.

The Young Writers Program version of the event, geared for kids and teens, allows writers to set reasonable, yet challenging, individual word-count goals. These budding authors also benefit from a community of their peers, professional expertise and free writing resources at the library.

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The Vernon Area Library’s NaNoWriMo events include:

Characters Matter! A NaNoWriMo Kick Off with Author Sarah Aronson

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), followed by insights from a published author, and register with the national program as a NaNoWriMo participant.  Then hear from published author Sarah Aronson, who introduces a variety of methods for developing authentic characters.

 

Mid-way Pep Talk and Mentoring with Author Jenny Meyerhoff

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (youth), 7:45-8:45 p.m. (adults)

Author Jenny Meyerhoff leads a group discussion, answers questions about writing challenges, and provides inspiration for reaching the NaNoWriMo finish line. Participants should bring the first page of their manuscript to share. Space is limited.

 

NaNoWriMo Finale (Adults)

Revising with Power and Purpose with Author Brenda Ferber

Sunday, Dec. 1, 1-2 p.m.

You've finished a draft of a novel! Now what? If you want to get published, you must take the time to revise. Join award-winning author Brenda A. Ferber as she demystifies the revising process. Learn to see your work objectively and get practical tips to make your story stronger, more compelling, more authentic, and polished to a shine.

NaNoWriMo Finale (Youth)

Pizza Celebration with Author Dina Elenbogen

Sunday, Dec. 1, 1-2 p.m.

Congratulations! You wrote a novel! Talk about your month of writing while eating pizza and cupcakes with author Dina Elenbogen. She offers suggestions on how to improve your draft of your novel and teaches us creative writing exercises to keep writing each day.

These events are free and open to all; registration is recommended. Register in person at the Vernon Area Public Library, by telephone at 224-543-1485, or online at http://bit.ly/nanowrimo13.


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