Celebrate writing all month long with NaNoWriMo and Indie Author Day events.
Join the NaNoWriMo Movement
Have you ever wanted to write a book but haven’t quite found the motivation? If so, National Novel Writing Month — or, as it is more commonly known, NaNoWriMo — may provide the boost you need. Each November, more than 200,000 individuals worldwide commit to writing 50,000 words, or approximately 100 single spaced pages, during the month of November. The event provides an ideal opportunity for budding writers to fully commit to the craft.
NaNoWriMo offers no official prizes for participation other than a certificate, but ending the month with a completed manuscript is considered winnings enough. Although 30 days does not seem like very much time to write a novel, many now-popular books started out as NaNoWriMo projects — Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, Wool by Hugh Howey and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, to name a few.
Participate this November and your NaNoWriMo novel just might be the next bestseller! Sign up at NaNoWriMo.org, and check the FCPL events calendar online to see what virtual and in-person programming our branches are hosting.
Celebrate Indie Author Day...
Adding more writer-focused fun, November also includes Indie Author Day. This year’s fifth annual event takes place November 7, with libraries and other organizations worldwide offering programs from education and networking to workshops and more.
Libraries particularly appreciate Indie Author Day since it helps develop of a sense of community and supports local authorship. Indie authors interested in participating may fill out a form at indieauthorday.com to be connected with participating libraries.
... and Indie Author Week in Fairfax County!
Fairfax County Public Library not only offers quiet space in branches and a wealth of materials for the researching and writing of the next great manuscript, but it also celebrates our local writers by hosting Indie Author Day programming. This year, FCPL is expanding the event to Indie Author Week and offering virtual author presentations every day November 2-7. Visit the Adults online guide and the library events calendar to learn more and register for any of these presentations:
- Indie Author Week Presents…Going Wide: Crafting a Career Beyond Amazon
- November 2, 6:30 p.m.
- Join us virtually and meet Ran Walker, author of Portable Black Magic, as he discusses his books and journey as an Indie author.
- Indie Author Week: Let’s Talk About Romance
- November 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Like to read or write romance? You'll find this presentation attractive. Meet our panel of local romance writers as they discuss their books and journey as writers.
- Indie Author Week: Let’s Talk About Historical Fiction
- November 4, 12:30 p.m.
- Prefer to read or write historical fiction? You'll want to tune in for this presentation. Meet our panel of local historical fiction writers as they discuss their books and journey as writers.
- Indie Author Week: Let’s Talk About History
- November 5, 6:30 p.m.
- Is reading or writing about history your go-to? This presentation will pique your interest. Meet our panel of local history writers as they discuss their books and journey as writers.
- Indie Author Week: Let’s Talk About Children’s Books
- November 6, 12:30 p.m.
- Always searching for or dreaming up books for kids under the age of 12? Then don't miss this presentation! Meet our panel of local children's book writers as they discuss their books and journey as writers.
- Indie Author Week Presents…Cook Along with Pat Tanumihardja
- November 7, 2:00 p.m.
- Love cookbooks, cooking or just good food? Join local cookbook author Pat Tanumihardja in a live cook-along session. Click here to see her books in our catalog.