If you’ve ever dreamed about writing the next Great American Novel, this month might be the perfect time to start.
Each November, writers from all over the world join in National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo. As its name suggests, the event challenges participants to craft a 50,000-word draft of a novel in just 30 days.
Here in South Jersey, there are NaNoWriMo groups and events where writers can get support, feedback and encouragement as they churn out their draft. Here’s just a sampling of the local events:
Write-In
Join other writers for two hours of writing frenzy from 7 to 9 pm on Nov. 6 at the café inside Wegmans in Mount Laurel. There will also be word sprints and bingo. For more information, visit nanowrimo.org.
Get Typing
Head to The Writers House at Rutgers University–Camden for “Cooper Street Workshop: Using Typewriters to Bust Through Writers Block” on Nov. 11. Explore how the typewriter can improve the creative process and why so many writers are turning back to this once-obsolete piece of technology. General admission is $60. For more information, visit writershouse.camden.rutgers.edu.
Word Wards
South Jersey Writers’ Group will open its doors to the public for its monthly meeting on Nov. 16 at the Barrington VFW. Writers will split into groups and write as many words as possible during 20-minute increments. Those with the highest overall average will win a prize. For more information, visit meetup.com/South-Jersey-Writers.
Dashing to the Finish
Head over to Cinnaminson Public Library to begin your mad dash to the finish on Nov. 25. Bring a laptop, your pen and paper, or anything you need to get in the writing groove from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. For more information, visit bcls.lib.nj.us.
