Welcome to the blog of the Omaha Wrimos' League, also known as the OWLs! This blog is going to be dedicated to the random happenings of our group. The hope is to keep our members and those interested in joining us up to date with our events and activities, as well as provide information about upcoming meetings. While much of this information will be posted on the official forum of NaNoWriMo, this blog will provide a home for longer posts that will include writing activities, photos, and anything else that might not be easily shared via the official forum. All content posted here will be done so with permission.
So, is this your first time coming across NaNoWriMo? Did you maybe come here to see what it's all about? Well, it's pretty simple. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It's an international event that has been going on, in one form or another, since 1999. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in the 30 days of November, which breaks down to about 1,667 words per day. The main prize at the end is your rough draft, though validated winners through the website have access to winner's offers from affiliated companies. These vary year by year, but CreateSpace and Scrivner are fairly consistent partners. Those who sign up also are sent Pep Talks from published authors throughout November.
In addition to all this, National Novel Writing Month became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2005. They raise money every year and have donated to libraries and programs for young writers.
One last thing for the newbies. One can readily find those who dislike NaNoWriMo and downplay its value. Many out there say that it is useless and a waste of time, that it's highly unlikely a NaNo book will see the light of day. There are three things to say to that. One: that's writing. It doesn't matter how you do it, there are going to be books that just won't make it. That doesn't mean you don't try in whatever way works for you. Two: there are many, many books that were NaNo babies. Sara Gruen wrote Water for Elephants as a NaNo project, as did Rainbow Rowell with Fangirl. For a complete list of "traditionally" published novels that started life during a crazy whirlwind in November, click here. And finally, you don't have to write just to get published. People often forget that plenty of people write just for fun. NaNoWriMo is a perfect place for that, especially since you can meet up and chat with fellow writers and get the most out of your hobby.
With that said, whether you are an excited newbie or a seasoned veteran, come join us online and in person, and let the fun begin!
So, is this your first time coming across NaNoWriMo? Did you maybe come here to see what it's all about? Well, it's pretty simple. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It's an international event that has been going on, in one form or another, since 1999. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in the 30 days of November, which breaks down to about 1,667 words per day. The main prize at the end is your rough draft, though validated winners through the website have access to winner's offers from affiliated companies. These vary year by year, but CreateSpace and Scrivner are fairly consistent partners. Those who sign up also are sent Pep Talks from published authors throughout November.
In addition to all this, National Novel Writing Month became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2005. They raise money every year and have donated to libraries and programs for young writers.
One last thing for the newbies. One can readily find those who dislike NaNoWriMo and downplay its value. Many out there say that it is useless and a waste of time, that it's highly unlikely a NaNo book will see the light of day. There are three things to say to that. One: that's writing. It doesn't matter how you do it, there are going to be books that just won't make it. That doesn't mean you don't try in whatever way works for you. Two: there are many, many books that were NaNo babies. Sara Gruen wrote Water for Elephants as a NaNo project, as did Rainbow Rowell with Fangirl. For a complete list of "traditionally" published novels that started life during a crazy whirlwind in November, click here. And finally, you don't have to write just to get published. People often forget that plenty of people write just for fun. NaNoWriMo is a perfect place for that, especially since you can meet up and chat with fellow writers and get the most out of your hobby.
With that said, whether you are an excited newbie or a seasoned veteran, come join us online and in person, and let the fun begin!