Write Your Novel in November with NaNoWriMo and Deschutes Public Library

Nearly half a million people around the world will set aside time in November to write their stories. It’s all part of National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo—a creative writing project aimed at getting people of all ages to try to write 50,000 words by the end of November.

This year Deschutes Public Library will join more than 1,000 libraries, book stores and community centers as they open their doors and host programs for aspiring novelists through the Come Write In program. The library will follow the NaNoWriMo guildelines (50,000 words/200 pages) and will host weekly meetings at the Downtown Bend Library to encourage writers to check in, cheer each other on, discuss technique and do some writing together.

“Deschutes Public Library’s commitment to fostering a vibrant writing community is shown through the variety of programs we host, including writing workshops and author presentations,” says Chantal Strobel, Manager of Community Relations at the library. “Taking part in NaNoWriMo further cements our commitment to and place in Central Oregon’s writing community,” she adds.

The weekly sessions will be facilitated by writing instructors Irene Cooper, Mike Cooper and Ellen Santasiero. Santasiero says the sessions are open to everyone with an interest in writing. “Writers can get a jump-start on the novel they’ve always wanted to write, they can meet others with whom they can build a community of local writers and they can practice making and achieving a creative goal,” she says.

The sessions take place every Tuesday evening in November at the Downtown Bend Library. NaNoWriMo participants can check in anytime between 6:15 and 7:45 p.m., or can stay for the full session. No registration is required. Session dates are November 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. A prep session for NaNoWriMo will take place at the Downtown Bend Library on October 23 at 4:00 p.m.

Over 250 NaNoWriMo novels have been traditionally published. They include Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, Hugh Howey’s Wool, Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, Jason Hough’s The Darwin Elevator, and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder.

NaNoWriMo began in 1999, and in 2005 it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. NaNoWriMo’s programs now include National Novel Writing Month in November, Camp NaNoWriMo, the Young Writers Program, Come Write In, and the “Now What?” Months.

For more information about the NaNoWriMo sessions or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 541-312-1032.