NaNoWriMo, though it sounds like an alien greeting from the planet Ork, is actually the abbreviated version of a month-long celebration for writers called “National Novel Writing Month.”
During the month of November, writers are encouraged to pen a novel of 50,000 words and are given ample support though online forums, write-ins, writers’ discussion groups and more. NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.
The Delaware County District Library’s Orange Branch is registered as an official “Come Write In Location.” This means that throughout the course of the month open writing times are provided for adults and teens and resources and space are allocated. Pick up the Library’s newsletter, “Check it Out,” or visit www.delawarelibrary.org/event for all the write-in times throughout the month.
Please note that all DCDL locations will close at 5 p.m. on November 22 and remain closed through November 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Otherwise, we’re open and available for your writing needs the entire month.
And in case you’re wondering if NaNoWriMo stories ever go anywhere, other than a saved file on your computer, here are some success stories to inspire you. All these best-selling novels got their start as a NaNoWriMo project.
“Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. Against all odds, a veterinary student and a beautiful circus performer from a bygone era meet and fall in love through their shared compassion for a special elephant. But their secret romance incurs the wrath of her dangerously volatile husband.
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. Waging a fierce competition for which they have trained since childhood, circus magicians Celia and Marco unexpectedly fall in love with each other and share a fantastical romance that manifests in fateful ways.
“Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell. Cath struggles to survive on her own in her first year of college while avoiding a surly roommate, bonding with a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words, and worrying about her fragile father.
“Wool” by Hugh Howey. In a ruined and toxic landscape, within a giant underground silo hundreds of stories deep, lives a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them. Then Sheriff Holston, who has unwaveringly upheld the silo’s rules for years, breaks the greatest taboo of all: He asks to go outside.
“The Darwin Elevator” by Jason M. Hough. In the mid-23rd century, Darwin, Australia, stands as the last human city on Earth. The world has succumbed to an alien plague, with most of the population transformed into mindless, savage creatures.
“Cinder” by Marissa Meyer. As plague ravages the overcrowded Earth, observed by a ruthless lunar people, Cinder, a gifted mechanic and cyborg, becomes involved with handsome Prince Kai and must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect the world in this futuristic take on the Cinderella story.
