NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month is a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with a first draft.

Check out our books, online resources, and more to help you write your novel this month!

Set a Goal

Set a goal for a brand new novel, or set a goal for a novel you’ve already started. Whatever inspires you to write!

Frequently Asked Questions About NaNoWriMo

"Do I need something special to write a novel?”
Not at all! You just need something to write with, some time set aside, and the ability to power through moments of writing-related despair in order to reach new creative heights.

“What if it’s not any good?”
Most first drafts aren’t very good. Think of the first draft as making the clay that you’ll use later to sculpt the story of your dreams.

“Do I have to publish it?”
If you want to! Some NaNoWriMo writers go on to traditionally publish their novels (including Marissa Meyer, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Emily X. R. Pan). Others self-publish, or share their novels with their friends or family.

Exploring Between Earth and Sky w/ Rebecca Roanhorse

Nov 19th | 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online Event

How Money Became God: Rethinking Wealth and Greed

Nov 11th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event

A City on Mars: The Science & Absurdity of Space Settlement

Nov 10th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event

Remembering Annie Dillard (1945-2026)

Annie Dillard won the Pulitzer Prize in 1975 for her book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Here is a selection of her poetry, essays, and fiction.

My Librarian: Remembering Wendell Berry

Essayist, poetry, and author of literary novels, Berry is best known for his writing on rural farming, the environment, and community.

My Librarian: Bilingual Editions

Some books that might help us brush up our language skills. Alternatively, just enjoy the English.

Staff Blogs on Writing

For Writers: Resources & More

Check out our local author visits, small groups, book suggestions, and other writing-related resources for your writing needs.

My Librarian: The Benefits of a Local Writers' Group

From hours of research to even more hours of honing one’s prose or choosing just the right word.
Joy

Self-Publishing: What an Author Needs to Know

With the rise of eBooks and print-on-demand, more authors are turning to self-publishing to get their books into the hands of readers.
Joy

Grow a Reader Skill: Writing

Children begin developing the skills used in writing long before their work becomes words.