Pikes Peak Writers invites you to
TRY your hand at writing a novel with
“NaNoTRYmo”
a free, light-hearted approach to
“National Novel Writing Month.”
Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? Thanks to author Chris Baty (No Plot? No Problem!), writers around the world celebrate the art of writing a novel during the month of November. Baty’s program “NaNoWriMo” (for National Novel Writing Month) began in 1999 with 21 people each setting out to write a 50,000 word novel in a mere 30 days. Now, ten years later, participating “WriMos” number over 100,000 per year. NaNoWriMo is a frenzy-palooza of word-slinging. It’s all about flying by the seat of your pants and writing, writing, writing, without regard to form, format or detail. The focus is on the quantity, not the quality of writing. And editing is banished completely for those delirious, delicious, debilitating thirty days. It’s an incredible experience.
But, you say, what if you can’t commit to writing 50,000 words in a single month, much less the month of November, when feasting, family and football are beckoning at every turn? For you, Pikes Peak Writers has developed a program where you can try your hand at this “NaNo” business without the requirement to produce a set number of words: NaNoTRYmo.
All month long PPW is hosting events to support, encourage and facilitate your writing: weekly write-ins, one full-day write-a-thon, a half-day “fight to the finish” opportunity, plus a “TGIO” (Thank God It’s Over) party. All are free and open to the public.
But that’s not all.
At each of PPW’s NaNo events, seasoned writers will be on hand to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you start writing and keep writing. THE RULES SUGGESTIONS:
1. There are no rules. Each writer decides for him/herself how to celebrate National Novel Writing Month.
2. We suggest that participants set personal writing goals for the month. If a “word count” goal works for you, you can commit to a certain number of words per day, week and/or month. You can even set the “WriMo” goal of 50,000 words. Alternately, consider setting your sights on completing your novel (an existing work-in-progress or a new one), regardless of how many words it takes. Or, instead of writing, make a plan to outline or revise. However you define your intentions, articulating your writing goal can help you stay focused and motivated.
3. If you set a goal, write it down. It makes it more real. PPW will provide a “goals worksheet” (available for download at pikespeakwriters.com) that can serve as your contract with yourself. Keep it in your wallet, post it in your writing space, or share it with a friend or critique group. Recording your goal helps you feel accountable for making progress toward that goal. You’re held even more accountable if you’ve made that goal “public” in some way.
4. Write with others. Writing alongside fellow writers can lift you up when you’re feeling low, and can inspire if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, so come to as many of PPW’s NaNoTRYmo writing events as you can. If you can’t make it to the official get-togethers, you can still “play along” by setting a goal, writing a contract with yourself, and participating in discussions on PPW’s NaNoTRYmo Yahoo loop (to join, visit
pikespeakwriters.com). In addition, you can find or make a group to write with for the
month. Crash a WriMo “write-in” in your local area — most cities have them, and the attendees won’t know if you’re an official WriMo or not. Or consider hosting your own gathering.
5. Do what works for you. Participate in TRYmo as an alternative to WriMo, or use it to augment the WriMo program. Set a goal or don’t. Write in a group or on your own. Take November to celebrate the art of novel writing in your own way. But however you do it, regardless of the where, when and how often, make a commitment to write.
Join us at these PPW NaNoTRYmo events:
Friday, October 30th, 5 to 8pm –
Stop by the PPW studio at Cottonwood Center for the Arts to pick up your NaNoTRYmo Welcome Packet while you’re enjoying the “Day of the Dead” celebration and art exhibition.
Every Tuesday in November, 4 to 8pm –
Attend write-ins with fellow TRYmos. Seasoned writers will be available for help and encouragement. PPW will provide water, coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate, as well as a “share table” where attendees can deposit snacks to share pot-luck style. Help us GO GREEN by bringing your own water bottle and/or coffee mug.
Saturday, November 21, 9am to 7pm –
A full-day write-a-thon! Come for the entire time or drop in when you can. PPW will provide bottomless hot beverages. Again, bring some snacks to share (if you choose–not required), as well as your water bottle and coffee cup. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.
Sunday, November 29, 1 to 7pm –
“Fight to the Finish” in the company of other frantic finishers. Bring a drinking vessel — you know the drill.
Monday, November 30, 530 to 8pm –
Revel in the aftermath with fellow writers at a TGIO (Thank God It’s Over!) party held in conjunction with our regular “Member’s Night” gathering at Poor Richard’s in downtown Colorado Springs. If you’re feeling good about going “green,” you can still bring your own mug, but no outside food, please.
All NaNoTRYmo events –except for the TGIO party– will be held at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, located at 427 E. Colorado in downtown Colorado Springs.
And all NaNoTRYmo events are free and open to the public.
Let’s get writing!
Top Five Reasons to “Try”
Contributed by Deb Courtney, PPW’s “Writer-in-Residence”
Whatever your goal, daily writing creates excellent habits for writers…write something every day for a month and you will find it easier to write
something every day for a year
Participating in Pikes Peak Writers events builds writing community and accountability
Where else will you find coaches ready to assist you through the tough spots?
The feeling of completing your writing goal, whatever it is, is unparalleled and will motivate you further
Because writers write!
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Location: Cottonwood Artist’s School. Note New Address:
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Address: 427 E. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
Building is near the corner of Colorado and Wahsatch downtown. Park in lot on the east side of the building. Pikes Peak Writers’ office is in Studio #116;
Write Brains and workshops are usually held in Studio A. Get _map_
(http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Colorado+Springs&state=CO&address=427+E+Colorado +Av) .
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Jodi Anderson
Pikes Peak Writers Program/Volunteer Coordinator
