Camp NaNoWriMo '16

I'm a NaNo-noob. I've always been in awe of the brave souls who jump into November head first, planning to write 50,000 words in 30 days. My last novel took me seven years to finish (that's as long as Brad Pitt spent in Tibet for goodness sake). For me, and just going by my track record, it seems an impossible feat destined to end in failure! 50,000 in 30 DAYS!?

Can we just take a moment to appreciate April as the
spirit guide she is? 

But in April and July, the good wordfolk at NaNoWriMo give less word-count ambitious writers like myself a chance to set our own word-count goal for the month with CAMP NANOWRIMO (click on the tent above to take you directly to their site)! If you're one of those people who can't stand the outdoors and you'd have THIS sort of reaction to spending a weekend in a tent in the woods: > > > > > > > > > >

HAVE NO FEAR! Camp NaNoWriMo is a writer's retreat on the interwebz, where you can take part from the comfort of your own home or in a snazzy little cafe with a toasty latte.

On your camp journey, you have the option to join a cabin! If you opt to join one (you can start your own private cabin, join someone else's, or be sorted into one based on criteria you choose) are joined by 11 other writerly cabinmates (highly recommend you do!), who will hopefully be active and talkative and encouraging. If they're not, you can opt out, but chances are, just seeing that there are other people with the same goals will be an inspiration in itself. You all share writing in common and delving into a supportive and like-minded community can really do wonders for that inner muse.
Word sprints are a great activity to do together (or on your own!): you set a time (if you can agree on one when everyone is available) and then post about how it went afterwards. For extra accountability, you can even get friends and family to sponsor you (proceeds go towards keeping the program up and running).

So, if November is faaarrr too daunting a task, give camp a try! There's a good chance you'll make some great friends, find a critique partner, and get your fill of writerly encouragement!

To my fellow writers already taking part this month, may the muse be with you!  

~Be mindful to surround yourself with equally passionate people. They add kindling to the fire.~