Arts & Entertainment

Library Helps Authors Write a Novel in 30 Days

Aspiring novelists of all ages are invited to unleash their creativity in November during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) at the Vernon Area Public Library.

NaNoWriMo is an annual international fiction-writing extravaganza that encourages writers to create a novel in 30 days — all for the fun of it. Aspiring authors from third grade to adult are welcome.

Adult participants pledge to write 50,000 words in a month, starting from scratch and reaching “The End” by Nov. 30. The Vernon Area Library will provide writers with space, mentoring by local authors, camaraderie, and refreshments to keep them fueled. Write-ins and programming will 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.

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The Vernon Area Library’s NaNoWriMo events include:

  • Kick-off Meeting and Sign-up – Plus, “Ten Things You Need to Know Before You Write a Novel”  at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1.

Learn about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), followed by Q&A and sign-up. Meet local author Michele Hurwitz and learn "Ten things you need to know before you write a novel.”

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  • Mid-way Party and Mentoring, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 14

Two children's writers, Suzanne Slade and Allan Woodrow, will lead a discussion and answer your questions about writing, getting published, and surviving NaNoWriMo without smashing your computer into tiny pieces. Allan is participating in NaNoWriMo himself, and is looking forward to sharing his frustrations and breakthroughs with you. Please bring the first page of your manuscript to share. Time permitting, first pages will be read and critiqued.

 

  • Write-in: Hurry Up and Finish! 6-9 p.m. Nov. 26

Library meeting room is reserved for quiet writing and snacks.

 

  • Thanks Goodness It’s Over Party! 1-2 p.m. Dec. 1

Celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow writers! Meet local author Nancy Grossman and discover her journey to getting published and suggestions for your own writing career.

 

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/nano2012.

— Information provided by the Vernon Area Public Library


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