7 Reasons to Participate in NaNoWriMo 2013

There are many words to describe November including drab, dreary, and dull. However, November can also be lots of fun too. It’s that time of year when writers from all over the world sit down at their computers or pull out their favorite pen and yellow legal tablet to begin writing a new novel.

Writing 50,000+ words is no easy task. Now add a time limit of a mere 30 days, and what do you have? It’s National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo for short. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try it. Why wait? Now is the perfect time to dive in.  Anyone can join, and sign up is free.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, here are 7 great reasons to participate:

1. The Idea: You have a great idea (or maybe even several) for a book.
2. The Challenge: Let’s face it, this won’t be easy. Nevertheless, you like challenges and trying new things.
3. Networking: NaNoWriMo is a great way to join a global community and meet new people locally or worldwide.
4. Try a Different Writing Style: This is your chance to try something new. So instead of writing a romance, try a thriller. Or if you always write in third person, try writing in first person.
5. Overcome Writer’s Block: With the limited time frame, there just isn't any time for internal editing. There's only time to write, even if it's "bad." Writing this way opens up your creativity.
6. Learn Time Management: Writing every day for 30 days in a row makes writing a habit. It’s a commitment that requires self-discipline. Check out the Word Count Widgets to help you meet your deadline.
7. The Novel: At the end you will have (hopefully) completed a very rough draft, and with it comes a sense of accomplishment.

Who knows? Maybe 30 days from now you will have written the next bestseller. After all, how many people can actually say they have even written a novel? Not that many. At the very least you’ll have made a few new friends and had some fun. So make plans today to set your novel free and join thousands of other writers in the quest to meet the 50,000+ word goal.