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.

High Altitudes and High Stakes with Lucy Foley

Aug 27th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event

Reclaiming America’s Black Botanical Legacy

Aug 25th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event

Live Aware, Not in Fear with Dannah Eve

Aug 13th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event

My Librarian: Getting Ready for the GED

Are you one of the 150,000 people preparing to take the General Education Diploma (GED) exam? These materials may help you out!

My Librarian: Bilingual Editions

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

My Librarian: July 2026 Picks

Don't know what to read next? The My Librarian team is here to help you find great reads and share some of their favorite titles.

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.
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