Take Part in Writing Contests, Tutorials, Discussion Groups and More at Your Library in November

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

It’s that time of year again, for leaf raking, pumpkin-y baking, apple picking… and novel writing, of course! Each year during National Novel Writing Month — better known as NaNoWriMo — more than 300,000 writers around the world sign up for the challenge of writing a 50,000-word first draft of a novel in only 30 days.

NaNoWriMo is an internet-based creative writing project with a fun and fast-paced approach. It’s free and open to anyone over the age of 13—with a Young Writers Program also available to young writers 17 and under. To learn more and sign up, visit nanowrimo.org.

Celebrate at Your Library

Whether you’ve got a story stewing inside you or are searching for a spark of inspiration, whether you’re a seasoned creative writer looking for a motivation boost or new to the craft and in need of a kick-start, November is the perfect time head to your library for programs and events in support of your writing goals.

While all of our local branches are always open for you to come in and write, the library has a variety of programs scheduled throughout the month to celebrate NaNoWriMo. Take a look at some of the highlights below, and search the events calendar for more dates, branches and activities. Then, bring your favorite notepad or laptop, or use one of the library's public computers to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard for your project.

NaNoWriMo Kick-Off and Contest

Get an early jump on the fun at the NaNoWriMo Kickoff Party at City of Fairfax Regional Library on October 26. Meet your fellow novelists, discuss strategies for writing 50,000 words in 30 days and enjoying refreshments while you get ready to write.

Then, join Sherwood Regional Library for their very own National Novel Writing Month contest. Participants will write and submit a short story of at least 15 pages in length by November 30. One adult and one teen will win grand prizes!

Need help getting started? Attend the Short Story Basics Writer’s Workshop at Sherwood on November 3 at 2 p.m. The workshop will focus on the basic structures of the short story while incorporating short exercises designed to get your creative juices flowing.

If you’ve already written the next great American short story and want to share it with the world (or if you spend November writing and end up with something special), don’t miss Sherwood’s How to Get Your Short Story Published workshop on November 30 at 4 p.m. This program will discuss the etiquette of contacting publishers and how to find the right home for your piece.

Join a Writers’ Group

In addition to our NaNoWriMo events, the library has writers’ groups that meet regularly throughout the year, including the November dates below. Check the events calendar for all writers’ groups, dates and times.

• Writers of Chantilly
• Chantilly Regional Library | November 5 and 25 | 6:30 p.m.
• A diverse group of published and aspiring writers transforms words and thoughts into creative stories to share with each other for thoughtful discussion, positive direction and maximum impact. New members are always welcomed.
• Pohick Writers’ Roundtable
• Pohick Regional Library | November 6 | 7 p.m.
• Discuss your work with other writers.
• Springfield Writers’ Group
• Richard Byrd Library | November 7 and 21 | 7 p.m.
• Focuses primarily on fiction and creative non-fiction, but poets are encouraged to share their work, too. Though it is not mandatory, writers are encouraged to bring a 1-5 pp. long piece to read aloud. Group will provide general feedback, focusing on flow, plot holes, character development, grammar, punctuation, or whatever the writer wants as a focus. For a more in-depth critique, some members might be available to proofread or copyedit entire manuscript. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.

One-on-One Writing Tutoring

Still working on getting that writing process down pat, or not ready to share your work with peers yet? Sign up for one-on-one research and writing tutoring sessions at George Mason Regional Library. During NaNoWriMo, 50-minute sessions are available on November 1, 5, 9, 16 and 26. High school to adult writers can learn tips to improve your research and writing processes and work on your current project, including academic papers and other essays, test prep, cover letters, creative writing, brainstorming and citations. Please register online in advance and bring a copy of your work to the session.

Get Ready, Get Set, Write!

Whether or not you meet the 50,000 words goal by the end of November, mark the close of National Novel Writing Month with a celebration at City of Fairfax Regional Library on December 1 at 2 p.m.

But first, here's some tips from the experts to help demystify the writing and publishing processes, so the daunting thought of 50,000 words doesn’t leave you staring straight at a writer's block.

Plus, visit our online research guide for style guides and resources for writers, and find books about creative writing in the library catalog.

And now... let the brainstorming begin!