NaNoWriMo is on the horizon and writing groups everywhere are ramping up. The number of events for authors is overwhelming at this time of year, particularly at libraries. Some have already started providing programs, but there are many events planned throughout October, November and into December.
If you have somehow avoided it thus far, NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, a twenty-year-old initiative in which participants are challenged to write a 50,000 word novel during the thirty days of November. Some folks write alone at their desks while others write in groups in coffee shops and libraries to support each other in achieving the daily word count.
In addition to the write-ins, presentations and discussions are also scheduled during this time for encouragment. Writers should take advantage of the learning opportunities even if they don't intend to take the NaNoWriMo challenge. Two that might be of particular interest include an 8-week learning circle on self-publishing and a write-a-book-in-a-day workshop, both offered by the Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook.
Taking the NaNoWriMo challenge can be an interesting experience. Both "pantsers" and "planners" can do it, although the "planners" do better if they plan before November actually starts. The competition and comraderie helps push you to complete the daily word count which also forces you to spend less time editing as you are writing. It can be freeing to just dump words on the page without second-guessing yourself all the time. Sure, you will no doubt go back and axe most of it, but editing is ususally much easier to do than the initial creating. Churning out a rough draft in one month doesn't mean you are writing garbage, either. "Water for Elephants" was originally a NaNoWriMo effort.
Author!Author! has listed some local events on our calendar, but there are many more. Check your local library or writers group or search online for events near you. There are events for young writers, young-ish writers and not-as-young writers as well.