NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month; I can hear your eye roll, but stay with me. Even if you don’t write fiction (or much or it, like me) or want to try and write 50,000 words in a month, NaNoWriMo can still be for you!
In short, it’s a great way to work on a big writing goal in community with support. On their website, you can create an account and plug in your writing goals for the month and connect with others. My username is KatieAllen1 and I’d love to see you there!
Here's part of what the goal-inputting looks like:
And actually, I'll be at a silent retreat until November 4th, so my version of NaNoWriMo begins the 5th. It's flexible!
I’ve been writing in community for almost one year in my writing salon, and it’s changed the whole experience for me, for the better. I’m more motivated than ever before to get my ass in the chair by a certain time each day. I’m more uplifted and inspired by 9am than even coffee has ever been able to make me (but god help you if you try to take away my coffee).
I just feel so much less alone, and I love these women who carve out time for their art in their busy and messy and beautiful lives. It's an honest space full of vulnerability, support, and often- joy.
I’ve been sharing with them about NaNoWriMo and now a few of them are joining, too. The salon is already a way for us to work in community on Zoom, and there’s an extra layer of accountability now with NaNoWriMo.
If you think such a space could support you in your writing, come join us! Even if you aren’t doing NaNoWriMo, it’s a great place to get grounded, check in with a small group, and then share your progress and struggles as you go.
I’m offering access into this space, which includes an optional Whatsapp group, for just $20 for the rest of the year, and it’ll continue on as long as I’m alive (and hopefully after? Too morbid?)
I’ll never turn anyone away for lack of funds however, so please reach out if you think you could benefit from this space but might be experiencing some financial hardship. Just email me at authorkatieallen@gmail.com for access, no questions asked.
So, what do you think? Is there a book you’ve been wanting to write, a series of essays you need to birth, some handwritten letters you’ve been wanting to touch pen to?
Share your goals in the comments, and I’d love to see you in there :)
No matter what you choose though, if you’ve got a story to share, you know what to do:
Keep the hand moving.
Katie
PS: if these handmade bookmarks & pencil cases are catching your eye, hop on over to my not-for-profit, Teranga Market, and check 'em all out :)