National Novel Writing Month, more commonly known as NaNoWriMo, is starting on Nov. 1. The event challenges participants to write an entire novel in 30 days during the month of November.

It started in 1999 as a challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. Now, it’s an annual challenge taken on by people around the world, hundreds of thousands, and they write anything that comes to them. Anyone can be a writer, including you who just thought “except me.” 

It doesn’t matter if it’s any good (first drafts usually aren’t), if it’s special or if you want to publish it. You don’t even have to follow the outline of a 50k word goal; set your own goal. Not sure where to start? Come to the library! 

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If you’re an aspiring novelist or have just always wanted to write something, NaNoWriMo is definitely for you, and the library is the place to be. 

Trary LaMée, who organized the upcoming NaNoWriMo event at the Carbondale Library, spoke about the events and why people should come: 

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“You know, I’ve been so inspired by the range of people who come to the NaNoWriMo events, people who are interested, people who are on the second version of a sci-fi novel, the whole idea of NaNoWriMo is to just try something,” she said. “There are several returning people every November, and they look forward to November to take another stride at a project they’re working on. November is a great time to try something new and use your imagination.” 

She said she’s participating, too: “I’m getting ready to work on a project that I’ve had sitting in a drawer for five years. I’m finally taking it out, brushing it off and investing some energy in it. It’s a sci-fi project for young adults. One always hopes for publishing.” 

The Garfield Branch Libraries are holding NaNoWriMo events, where there will be a gathering of writers and opportunities for offering and receiving help and possible refreshments (depending on which event). 

Events are as follows:

Carbondale Branch at 320 Sopris Avenue:

Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. – Nanowrimo Pep Rally! 

• Encouragement, Halloween refreshments, and writerly fellowship. 

Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 5 p.m. – Come Write In! 

• Grab a cup of tea, a spot at a table, and get some words on the page.

Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. – Writers’ Soiree 

• Wrap-up party for all writers!

Glenwood Springs Branch at 815 Cooper Avenue:

Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. – Kickoff 

• Learn the rules, sign up, enjoy some snacks, and get to writing.

Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 5 p.m. – Writers’ Nights 

• Grab a seat in our conference room and get words on the page. Caffeinated beverages provided!

Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. – Mid-Month Check-In 

• Join us for snacks and prizes celebrating progress made so far.

Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. – Writers’ Soiree

• Enjoy a wrap-up party for all writers!

Parachute Branch at 244 Grand Valley Way:

Nov. 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 28, 30 at 5 p.m. – Writers’ Nights

• Work toward your 50,000 word goal in the company of other authors. We’ll provide computers, laptops, and the coffee.

Please note that all libraries will close early on Nov 22. at 5 p.m. and will remain closed on Nov. 23 and 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. 

For more information on Library NaNoWriMo events, go here and find the branch you’re looking for: gcpld.org/about-us/branches. 
For more information on NaNoWriMo itself, go to this website: nanowrimo.org.