The goal of NaNoWriMo is to create the first draft of a novel within the month of November. The library is here to encourage that creative enterprise by offering working and collaboration space in one of our meeting rooms for anyone taking up the NaNoWriMo challenge. Did you know that “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell and “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern are just a couple of the many popular novels that came out of this challenge? Yours could be next!
Click here for upcoming writing dates and times.
The following are some helpful resources to kick start your writing:
- Basic character info (pdf)
- Character development (pdf)
- Plot formula cheat sheet (pdf)
- Five key story elements examples (pdf)
- Writing prompts (pdf)
Other resources
Writing Resources
- NaNoWriMo Prep. So many (always) free resources on creative writing, plot structure, character development, etc. https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101
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NaNoWriMo Community. Most areas have an active regional community. We are in Albany’s. On the region’s page, they have a list of events for write-in sessions at libraries, diners, and bookstores. https://nanowrimo.org/regions/find or https://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-new-york-albany
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NaNoWriMo HQ Events. Various events, including virtual write-ins, diverse community write-ins, virtual write-ins with special guests, and even yoga! https://nanowrimo.org/regions/nanowrimo-hq/events/upcoming
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Save the Cat. Mostly for screenwriting, but they have a lot of resources on plot structure and break it down really well. https://savethecat.com or https://savethecat.com/novel-writing
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Writers Helping Writers. Free writing resources from writers. https://writershelpingwriters.net/
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E.A. Deverell. Free writing resources https://www.eadeverell.com/
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Masterclass. Some free resources, but people can subscribe for more in-depth “classes” from famous authors. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-novel
Recommended software
- Scrivener. They offer a free extended trial during NaNoWriMo (from Oct. 15-Dec. https://www.literatureandlatte.com/nanowrimo
- Google Docs. Free with a Gmail account, usable on different devices, but requires internet access. https://www.google.com/docs/about/
- Microsoft Word. Subscription-based, usable on different devices. Doesn’t require internet except to download and unless using multiple devices. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word
Find other various NaNoWriMo discounts/trials at nanowrimo.org/offers. Requires a NaNoWriMo account to access.