Are You Participating in NaNoWriMo?

On By TeacherofYAIn Daily Updates/Tags/Pingbacks

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? I am!

What is NaNoWriMo, you ask? Well, let me tell you…


National Novel Writing Month (often shortened to NaNoWriMo, “na-noh-ry-moh”), is an annual, Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November. NaNoWriMo challenges participants to write 50,000 words (their minimum number of words for a novel) from November 1 until the deadline at 11:59PM on November 30. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to get people writing and keep them motivated throughout the process. The website provides participants with tips for writer’s block, local places writers participating in NaNoWriMo are meeting, and an online community of support. The idea is to focus on completion instead of perfection. NaNoWriMo focuses on the length of a work rather than the quality, encouraging writers to finish their first draft so that it can later be edited at the author’s discretion. NaNoWriMo’s main goal is to encourage creativity worldwide. The project started in July 1999 with 21 participants, but by the 2010 event, over 200,000 people took part and wrote a total of over 2.8 billion words.

Writers wishing to participate first register on the project’s website, where they can post profiles and information about their novels, including synopses and excerpts. Word counts are validated on the site, with writers submitting a copy of their novel for automatic counting. Municipal leaders and regional forums help connect local writers, holding writing events and providing encouragement.


So that’s it in a blurb. How many of you readers are budding writers? Have a hard time sticking to it? Yeah, I know what you mean. I have been wanting to write a novel for awhile, but I kept telling myself, “Oh, I’ll do it during November, because that’s when NaNoWriMo is…” Well, November is almost upon me. So I signed up.


Don’t ask me what I’m writing because I have absolutely NO idea…I’m what’s called a “pantser” vs a “planner”: where a planner plans, a pantser just waits until Day One and starts. I have some ideas….a short story I want to turn into a novel, a creative nonfiction piece about my teen years (it would definitely be interesting, but I always promised my parents I would wait until they’re dead to write about them…so it only works if it’s considered “fiction” to the outside world, lol.

I have a profile up, and if you want to be my buddy turning this tumultuous month, where word counts will haunt us, feel free to add me! I kept my name the same as here on my blog, so that people could find me easily. So if you’re looking, search for TeacherofYA. That’ll be me!

So are you going to participated? Willing to take the plunge with me? Hell, what’s the worst that could happen, right? You only live once!! (I’m not going to say YOLO. I refuse).

I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! I’ll keep you updated on my progress (or lack thereof!) 😉

Happy Reading Writing!

63 thoughts on “Are You Participating in NaNoWriMo?”

  1. Cate

    I’m hoping to participate! Usually, I too am a pantser but for my last novel (which I started during NaNoWriMo 2014) I did the exact same thing and still have yet to finish! I’m currently working on an outline for this new novel so hopefully I can participate this year. Being a pantser is not the best idea for me. November is exceptionally busy so I’m hoping I’ll still have time to write. I also refuse to say “YOLO”!

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    1. Well, I’m only a pantser because I have NEVER done this before! And yes, you’re right…November is an extremely busy month! I figure if I can’t think of anything I can always just expand on my short story…so I guess I would be a plantser? With, if I said it right, is a thing: it’s a combination of pantser and planner! 😂😂😂
      I dunno…I just want to try…I won’t be too devastated if I fail. A lot of big name authors participate, and I think that’s pretty cool. And hey, I’ll be there! So you know you should just do it or Camp NaNoWriMo!

      Hopefully I will see you there…and thanks for not saying YOLO with me…I HATE that phrase. With venomous passion. 👿

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    1. Yes, of course I will! Even if it’s just poetry one day, be used I can’t write or am blocked, I will share with you guys, if you want to read it! I’m so flattered you asked! Now I’m thrilled! I want to start now but know I can’t…not gonna cheat.
      So grateful you guys are here! I luv u guys! 😘

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  5. Good luck with NaNoWriMo Stephanie. I would love to participate this year (and maybe I will, I still have a little time to decide right) but given the amount of time I spend on this blog I’m wondering if I’ll have time to write 50,000 words what aren’t reviews, posts or comments on WordPress.
    I’ve never made it to 50,000 words in the years before but maybe one day that’ll be a goal I can work to either way I’ll look forwards to seeing your progress. Good luck again! 😀

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    1. Thank you, my dear! I think I’m probably biting off more than I can chew, especially with the blog, work, school, AND reading, but I can’t resist. I’ve wanted to participate for years!
      It’s time to give it a try, and the worst case scenario is that I don’t make the word count. Hopefully I still will get some creative juices flowing, and I’m happy to know people want to see what I have to write…I hope it doesn’t suck, lol!

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      1. That’s all right, and hey you never know how much you can take on until you try. At one point I thought maybe blogging would be too much for me and it wasn’t. Still it sounds like you’re going to have a lot on your plate so good luck managing it all. It’s definitely fun taking part, and even if you don’t make it to 50K words it is a great way to get the creative juices flowing.

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    2. That’s all I’m hoping for: some creative juices! Lol!
      But seriously, if even a good idea that gets halfway formed comes out of it, then I’ll be pleased. I’ve always wanted to write, and this is my opportunity to not put it off any longer. I think blogging has helped keep me in the habit of writing all the time, and the paper assignments in school help add pressure to writing on a deadline. I hope that, when you do participate next, I’ll be there to cheer you on!

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      1. It definitely helps you to write, and given you’re writing 50K words in one month I don’t think anyone is expecting the next Harry Potter from you, but sometimes it is a good way to get ideas. Blogging has helped me a lot, I like to think I’m managing things in my day to day life better because of it!
        Thanks, if I do participate this time around I’ll be sure to remember that! 😀

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    3. You have such inspirational words! I hope you do participate this time…even if you just write a little. I think blogging has helped so much!
      You don’t expect the next Harry Potter from me? Really?
      😫😫😫😫
      Jk. I don’t expect the next Harry Potter either. It would be really boring since it’s already been done. “I call it Larry Botter! And he’s a witch!” Lol! 😂😂😂
      Nah, I got an idea…it’s based off a dystopian short story I wrote for class last semester. I want to beef it up and make it longer. See what I can create, you know? Either that or some poetry would be great.

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      1. Ahh thanks Stephanie. Yeah I’d like to take part, I don’t think I’ll get 50K words done because obviously blogging is going to be my first priority but I guess anything I write will be something.
        Hey you can always aim for the next Harry Potter, just don’t expect it to come in one month is all!
        It sounds like a good idea, and given you read a lot of dystopian books as well you’ve probably got a good feel for what works and what doesn’t! 😀

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    4. Yeah, it’s already not going well because of my lack of time. I bit off more than I can chew.I think I should count the 20 page paper in my word count though! That was a LOT of words! Whew!
      No, you’re right…blogging comes first. I agree with that 100%.

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  6. I’m doing NaNoWriMo for the first time this year!! I’ll be trying to finish book 3 in the converters series. Not sure on a name yet….. But, yeah. Since it’s the third, I’d have to say I’m very much a planner with this one! 😉 I will friend/buddy you!

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    1. Yay! That’s so awesome! I can’t wait to read book two and share it with everyone. So glad to have your support on my first NaNoWriMo, and I know you’ll knock the third book out of the park! So excited! 😊

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    1. Me too! I’m so glad you jumped on to say you’re going to be there and that there’s going to be another book…makes me so excited to see what you produce! I have no idea what I’m going to write about: I’m a “pantser” I guess, lol!! 😂

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  8. Christy Luis

    NaNo is awesome! Have you tried it before? I’ve finished it twice, but I haven’t done it since 2011. I’m thinking about doing it this year, if I can get my novel outline into shape before November starts. Good luck! 🙂

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    2. There you go: you are a planner all the way…nothing wrong with preparing yourself for next time! I just think it’s great that it happens and hopefully I’ll be able to at least enjoy it. That’s all I’m hoping for. Well, that, and hopefully some creative genius work! Lol! 😂

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    1. Hey, it doesn’t matter if you finished or not: at least you tried!
      That’s what I’m going for…trying. If I finish or not, it’s all about the experience. I’m sure other NaNoWriMos will be more successful because I won’t also be in school…but I have wanted to try it for two years and have missed out both times. I may not make it because of all that I have going on, but it’s all about the experience.
      Congrats on being a NaNoWriMo vet! 👏👏👏

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  13. Flavia

    I’m not participating, and I’ve never participated before either. I’ve always liked the idea of participating though, haha. I just don’t have the confidence or time though…really…

    I hope you have fun participating though! And good luck! 😀

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    1. Ehh, I’m just doing it because I told myself I would…as this month moves on, I’m doubting more and more my ability to get much writing done. But at least I’ll know what to expect when I do it again next year, you know? 😉

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      1. Flavia

        That’s very true! And I’ve seen plenty of people struggling by the 3rd day…so if you don’t get a lot done, you’re not alone and don’t worry 🙂

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  15. Yeah, so the amazing RSS Feed Reader I told you to start using crashed last weekend and now I have no idea which posts I’ve read already without having to sort them through by hand. Oh, the irony! (I think)

    Good luck with the NaNoWriMo!!! I’m not a budding writer until I feel like I know the English language without fucking up constantly, or well, a lot. Which could be never, really XD. I like your idea of pantsering, though. Hmm, hmm. Go with the flow! ~

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    1. You just like the idea of pantsering because it sounds like pantsing…and I know how much you like to pants people! Weirdo…😲
      So…should I use the RSS feed thing? I’m still intimidated by it…I’m old school with email I guess, though the amount of mail never seems to go down…it’s like trying to stick your finger in a burst dam…water just gets everywhere.
      Wait, what did that have to do with email again? I’m losing it. My bad.

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      1. You got me there because I actually DO like pantsing! When they least expect it >:D. Introducing the new boyfriend to my parents? CHECK! But yeah, forget about the RSS. It’s handy but if it crashes, you’ll end up screaming into a pillow. Or someone’s butt crack, depending on the size of said butt. Sticking your finger in a burst dam falls into the going with the flow category as well I suppose. So you TOTALLY made sense there! *whistles+circles finger near temple*

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    2. After the pantsing analogy, I’ll totally meet your hubby! 😂😂😂
      Yeah, your involvement with the RSS feed and its problems have scared me off. No way, Jose! (Wait, can ppl say that anymore? It might be considered not PC) So yeah, going to stick with doing it the old-fashioned way, through email. (Not doing “it,” get your mind out of the gutter!)
      ::aims finger at temple::
      ::pulls imaginary trigger::
      BOOM! 💥

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      1. Oh, you don’t need me for him to take off his pants, though! :’) It’s his signature for when he’s tired, wants to go to bed, and wants any visitors we have just leave the house pronto :’) :’). Hahaha, what if I was actually named Jose? I think it’s totally legit ;). Good grief, who cleans up the mess every time you shoot yourself in the head?! :’) :’)

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    3. I wish I had pantsless men in my house. Well, as long as they were pretty damn, um, “equipped” for the pantslessness.
      Oh, and the same pantsless men would be cleaning my brains up off the floor. They’re good housekeepers like that.
      If your name was really Jose, I’d probably end up calling you Joe and offending you somehow. I am a walking offense.

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