National Novel Writing Month

I am taking part in the 2011 National Novel Writing Month, which starts on November 1st and is how you can write a 50,000 word novel by midnight on November 30th.  Known by aficionados as 'NaNoWriMo,' this writing marathon is for everyone who has ever wanted to write a novel but never been able to make the time.

You may have heard the advice "if you want to be a writer, write!"  and 'NaNoWriMo'  means you have to write at least 1667 words every day for a month.

Like many of us, I have too many distractions in my life and am hoping this simple discipline will be really good for me.  I've also fallen into the trap of eternally revising my work.  Although this is a very necessary part of the process, it will be great to have a break and simply enjoy writing again.

50,000 words may seem short for a novel but that's the length of Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' – and although you are not supposed to write anything in advance of the 1st, you can of course keep going after the end of November.

There are a few simple rules - quantity, not quality and don't read back or revise. It is about liberating your creativity and taking risks.  Last year over 200,000 people joined in 'NaNoWriMo' and over 30,000 met the deadline.

To find out more about 'NaNoWriMo' visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/ and to join in, register for free at http://www.nanowrimo.org/user/register