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NaNoWriMo Encourages 30 Days of Novel Writing

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) has been motivating inspiring adult writers since 1999 to write 50,000 words in one month with the hope of completing the first draft of a novel they will publish. November 1 is the kickoff of 30 days of writing and NaNoWriMo also encourages young writers to set their own writing goal through its Young Writers Program for children, ages 17 and younger.

Described as a “fun, seat-of-your-pants” creative writing event, it is more of a personal challenge than a competition against peers. The young writers are able to set their own word-count goal. As they are writing throughout the month of November, they may adjust their word-count to accommodate their writing pace. Writers work on their novel through 11:59 p.m. (your local time) on Friday, November 30. If you reach your writing goal, you are a “winner”.

The young writers and adult writers participate in two different manners. Young writers set their own word-count goal. They are able to re-evaluate their word-count goal through 20 days of writing. During that time, they may make adjustments to their word-count to accommodate their writing pace. The start date is Thursday, November 1, and writers work on their novel through 11:59 p.m. (your local time) on Friday, November 30. If you reach your writing goal, you are a “winner”.

There are several free resources for young writers to use during the month that may help them accomplish their goal. NaNoWriMo also has created workbooks, available as free PDF downloads or to purchase, for elementary, middle, and high school children. Each year, NaNoWriMo attracts more than 65,000 adult and young writer participants.

Your child does not have to love writing to participate. The novel your child starts could lead to a later publication (self or paid).

Learn more about how your young writer may participate. If you are game, take the adult challenge. Do not worry if your child or you does not get started on November 1. The real challenge is to accomplish the goal you set.

Please come back on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and let us know how your family did if someone participates in the event.


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