Young Wrimos: The Plan for Write-Ins

NaNoWriMo is just around the corner, and it's time to start making plans about how we're going to reach that word count by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. To make 50,000 words, that's 1,667 words per day. Now, if 50K is a bit too high, check out NaNo's Young Writers Program, where you can set your own goal at a grade-appropriate level.

Colorado Springs Young Wrimos are invited to join me for several FUN, FREE write-ins throughout the month of November. Let's cheer each other on and most importantly--WIN CANDY. Check it out:

• Tuesday, November 1
  Official NaNoWriMo All-Day Write In: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  Official NaNoWriMo Kick-Off Party: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
  Panera Bread (Powers & S. Carefree)
  Day 1 events are open to all ages, adults & young writers alike.
• Saturday, November 5
  The Lost Hour YW Write-In: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
  Panera Bread (Powers & S. Carefree)
  Mourn the loss of the hour we'll lose to Daylight Savings Time on 11/6 by writing 2K in one day. Everyone who comes to the first YW write-in will receive an Epic Pen for scribbling down those novel-related thoughts on napkins, toilet paper, or whatever's convenient.
• Friday, November 11
  Costume Party YW Write-In! 7:00-9:00 p.m.
  Starbucks (Powers & Stetson Hills)
  Get the most out of your Halloween costume, and wear it to the write-in! In celebration of 11-11-11, we'll try to reach 11,111 words as a group.
• Wednesday, November 16
  Pens & Pancakes YW Write-In: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
  Village Inn (Powers & S. Carefree)
  They have outlets and wi-fi! Bring your laptops, some cash for pancakes or drinks, and join us at the booths for a mid-month catch up session.
• Monday, November 21
  Drive In YW Write-In: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
  Kangaroo Coffee (434 W. Fillmore)
  Bring your laptop fully-charged or a good, old-fashioned spiral and your Epic Pen. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate and park with us for some outside/in-car Word Wars. (You might want to bring a blanket or a jacket if it's a little chilly that day!)
  
• Sunday, November 27
  Last Minute Dash YW Write-In: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
  Panera Bread (Powers & S. Carefree)
  Try to reach your word count before the weekend ends, then you can gloat to your fellow Wrimos. Or catch up on all that homework you neglected...
• Wednesday, November 30
  Midnight Cram YW Write-In: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight
  Old Chicago (Powers & S. Carefree)
  It's the last day to get your last words in! Join us and cram those final words into your novel before 11:59 p.m.

It's going to be a crazy month, young Wrimos. Brace yourselves. But you CAN do it! Make 2011 your year to win NaNoWriMo! See you at the write-ins!

NaNoWriMo 2011: Dude. It's ON.

National Novel Writing Month. A.K.A. NaNoWriMo. A challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. Been there, done that. Five times. Even got the t-shirt. Thrice.

But this year, I've kind of got it in my head that I want to lead out the local young writers who are attempting to do NaNoWriMo--whether through the Young Writers Program or on their own, with a mission to reach 50K.

This idea has been stirring in my head over the last couple months, and it has finally reared its sparkly head. Hopefully there are some young writers out there who are interested in doing some write-ins. I will most definitely be hosting some writing events for all writers 18 and under! (And anyone who is brave enough to come support some borderline-insane, creative teenagers.)

Young Writers Write-Ins:
THERE WILL BE CANDY.

Bribery is not above me. No, not at all...

If you're 18 or under and you're participating in NaNoWriMo this year, please sign up either on the NaNo YWP site or the main NaNoWriMo site. If you do the latter (that means you use the main site), then GO HERE to visit the forum and introduce yourself. Include your personal word count goal (if you're in the YWP) and/or share what crazy lengths you plan to go to in order to hit that 50K mark.

As for me--yes, I do plan on writing a novel. There has been an entire series simmering in the back corner of my brain, tucked under the silk slippers and wrapped with a tangle of copper wiring. Perhaps NaNo is just the thing to get the dust blown off and breathe some life into those tiny, trembling ideas.