November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers from around the world draft a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. While novels are the driving force behind NaNoWriMo, you can write whatever you want! Passionate about poetry? Hankering for Haikus? Aficionado of fan fiction? Swain for a screenplay? Yearning for a memorable memoir? You can write anything you want during NaNoWriMo!

Registering for your own NaNoWriMo account is free and easy on nanowrimo.org. You can also find a writing community nearby to sign up for in-person writing sessions and virtual writing events. While 50,000 words feel daunting, you can set your own customized numerical finish line, perfect for first-time participants and writers who prefer to put their words down on paper with an old-fashioned fountain or ink pen.

NaNoWriMo Resources

Although Fountaindale isn’t hosting any NaNoWriMo groups or events this year, the online NaNoWriMo community is here 24/7 to support you along the way to completing your writing challenge. Hit the dreaded writer’s block? We curated these resources for writers just like you. Need a pep talk? Here are some inspiring words from fellow writers to guide your journey.

Will County/DuPage County Regional Area (login required)

Start or join a writing group! You can create a group of 3–20 writers to share progress, encouragement and resources as you write. Start your own writing group, or find a writing group to join in the forums. (You can join as many groups as you’d like!)

NaNoWriMo All Community Virtual Meetups

All writers in the NaNoWriMo community are invited to join a virtual meetup! You’ll get to know each other as writers, share writing sprints and talk about the writing life. Sometimes, you’ll also have Q&As with authors and publishing professionals. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the way that feels most comfortable for you, whether that’s turning your audio and video on or off or typing in the Zoom chat. Meetup hosts can also provide optional suggested topics of conversation and use breakout rooms to facilitate smaller group conversations. Fountaindale Public Library is not affiliated with these virtual meetups.

  • Thursday, October 26, 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 22, 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 19, 3 p.m.

Calling All NaNoWriMo Young Writers!

Writers under 18 are welcome to participate in the NaNoWriMo Young Writers program, which features a November 20,000 word count goal and smaller writing camps and editing sessions throughout the year. From a Dare Machine prompt generator and timed Writing Sprints, creativity abounds in this program! You can join directly through the NaNoWriMo Young Writer’s website. Fountaindale Public Library is not affiliated with this program.

Get Ready to Write!

Need some inspiration or tools to help you with your writing journey? Check out these resources:

Good luck, and let us know how your writing is going!

See You At The Library,
Debra