National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, began in 1999 as a yearly effort to help writers with the most crucial and difficult part of novel writing: producing the first draft. NaNoWriMo is founded around the belief that, by motivating writers through community and concrete goals, would-be writers can overcome their creative obstacles and start writing for real.
Every November, NaNoWriMo challenges writers to finish 50,000 words of their draft (or another personally set goal) by the end of the month. Writers can track their progress and receive community support on the official website, as well as access several resources, including a pre-November prep program, pep talks from famous authors, and a Young Writers Program. NaNoWriMo even runs Camp NaNoWriMo, a chance to try a version of NaNoWriMo customized to the writer's personal goals, in April and July.
Did you forget to prepare? Check out "Get Ready to Write: Preptober" for helpful advice and books to get started.
The library supports new and established authors in Alachua County. If you plan to take on the NaNoWriMo challenge or write more this year, the library offers many helpful resources. Here are just a few of the services that writers can take advantage of this November.
Space to Write
All 12 branches offer public seating, free WiFi, and public computer access. Nine branches have 23 small, private study rooms with a capacity of three to eight people, depending on the room. Study rooms are available day-of, on a first-come, first-serve basis; you can call or visit your local branch to book a room. If you're looking to host a larger group for a write-in or writing sprint, most branches also have meeting rooms that can be reserved up to 90 days in advance.
Writing Together
Each year during November, and year-round, the library offers programs for writers.
Join us for the monthly meeting of the Writers' Alliance of Gainesville. The Writers' Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) promotes encourages and supports aspiring and experienced regional writers.
Try Writing Your Life Story at Millhopper Branch each month, for those interested in writing their life story for family and friends. Come share ideas and get encouragement from others.
Join us for a NaNoWriMo Write-In on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to work on your creative writing.
Whenever you want to check for the latest in greatest in programs, check out the Events page.
Books
Wouldn't you know it, the library has books for checkout! Many of them are helpful to writers! Several great keywords can help you find the book you need in the catalog, including "NaNoWriMo," "creative writing," and "writing skills." When you use the online catalog, you can use the "Narrow your search" column on the left-hand side of the page to refine your search filters to fit your particular needs.
A catalog search will show you not only physical books but also eBooks and eAudiobooks available on Libby and hoopla, as well as O'Reilly, offering eBooks for the more technical and business-minded.
Of course, one of the best ways to get inspired to write is to read! Many novels written during National Novel Writing Month are available in the catalog, including Elizabeth Acevedo's With the Fire on High, Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, Ore Agbaje-Williams' The Three of Us, Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, Hugh Howey's Wool, Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl, and Marissa Meyer's Cinder.
Databases
The library offers a wealth of online resources.
Resources for writers include LinkedIn Learning courses on writing. If you're writing a nonfiction piece about your family's history, try Ancestry Library Edition (In-Library Use Only) or HeritageQuest Online. Research with America's News, Gale in Context, Issues and Controversies, MasterFILE Premier, and the World Book Encyclopedia. We recommend perusing the full list of Databases to see what works for you.
NaNoWriMo is a fun, community-driven method of helping aspiring writers get words onto the page. Even if you're not interested in formally participating in NaNoWriMo, consider taking November as an opportunity to explore writing. With the help of all the resources available at the library, you can get inspiration to leap into writing.