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November is National Novel Writing Month! Yes, that’s a thing and, yes, it’s totally possible to write a good novel in a month. Much like triathlons and eating contests, NaNoWriMo is not easy and requires a lot of endurance, dedication and, of course, some skill. But every year, hundreds of thousands of people participate world-wide and manage to write full-length novels (that's about 50,000 words) in the course of November's 30 days. And if you think these manuscripts just end up stuck away in a drawer or forever trapped on someone's harddrive, think again: many of them end of published. You may have heard of Erin Morgenstern's New York Times bestselling debut novel The Night Circus? She wrote the whole thing during NaNoWriMo. And Rainbow Rowell, another bestselling author, wrote her stunning YA novel Fan Girl during this short timeframe, too.
So trust that it can be done; and if you need a little help along the way, here are some local events that will help you get creative throughout the month.
Every Friday and Saturday Gotham Writers Workshop Write-Ins; $20 for one, $45 for three
Whenever you come down with the dreaded writers' block this month, don't worry: Twice a week, Gotham Writers Workshop hosts 90-minute write-ins, during which you get a writing prompt, quiet time to write and the opportunity to share your work. Plus, there are snacks, drinks and time for mingling at the end, so you don't have to feel like a writing hermit.
Nov 8 New York Writers Workshop: Finding Your Voice; NYPL 67th Street Branch, free (registration required)
Okay, supposedly you've been working on your NaNoWriMo book for a week now. But you're feeling a little stuck, and the work just doesn't sound right. Then spend an afternoon with author and New York Writers Workshop founding member Maureen Brady; she'll lead you through a number of writing exercises to hone your most authentic writing voice.
Nov 10 Brooklyn Poets Yawp; 61 Local, $5
Want to know a secret? Poets can write novels, too, and often do so brilliantly because of their ear for musical language and exacting syntactical skill. At this dual workshop/open mike night, take a little break from the novel and find inspiration in verse—then test out the new work on the Yawp's welcoming audience.
Nov 23 Memoir Writing with Gotham Writers; WORD, free
Pretty much since the written word was invented, writers have used details of their own lives to flesh out their fictions. Learn how to mine your own memories and turn them into something others will want to read at this free afternoon workshop.
Nov 16 Tea and Letters; Book Culture, free
Whether or not you're writing an epistolary novel, sometimes it helps to shift into a different style. Or maybe it's just been too long since you wrote a handwritten letter to your mom. Either way, see what fruitful prose comes when you stop by Book Culture's afternoon of tea and letter-writing (materials, postage and tea provided!).
And if you just need some company to keep you from getting distracted (no, you do not need to clean your apartment instead of writing), the NaNoWriMo organization also hosts write-ins, with no interruptions or writing prompts, at spaces around NYC throughout the month; check their website for the most up-to-date information!