Articles: Want to stop saying, “I’ve always wanted to write a novel?”

National Novel Writing Month 2012 might be just the boost you need to help you on your way to writing your book.

NaNoWriMo is an annual novel writing project that brings together professional and amateur writers from all over the world. The idea is to begin writing on 1 November and the goal is to write a 50,000 word novel by 11:59:59 on 30 November. Yes that’s 30 days to write 50,000 words. That’s a lot of words…

Guess that it’s all about the magical power of deadlines. Give someone a goal and a goal-minded community and miracles are bound to happen. Pies will be eaten at amazing rates. Alfalfa will be harvested like never before. And novels will be written in a month. This book from the Guardian looks like it could come in handy…

The emphasis on quantity and speed has been proven as a good way to get those of us who are procrastinators going. Apparently, there have been dozens of novels published and even more self-published on the back of first drafts written for this competition. Maybe this initiative gives people just the excuse they need to dedicate some real time to writing, as well as taking off the pressure to create a perfect masterpiece.

So, if you are reading this and thinking, “I’ve always wanted to write a romantic comedy, a murder mystery or a dark fantasy,” then now is your chance!

Must say that I’m tempted by the thought of smugly revelling in the sense of satisfaction I will get that after all those years of thinking about writing a book, I actually did it. I might even consider dragging in a few friends who are also keen to have a go so that we can spur each other on. But … 50,000 is one hell of a lot of words and I’m not quite sure that I am up to the challenge!
Has anyone else tried this, or something similar?

Visit What is NaNoWriMo? and How NaNoWriMo Works for more information.

Good luck!