Novel-ember!

The month of November entails many things, including National Novel Writing Month. This month is when anyone can try their hand at writing a manuscript for a novel in 50,000 words. Much like Inktober for artists during October, November is for authors. National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, is a non-profit organization in the United States. This challenge is open to people of all levels, from novice authors to seasoned writers. Writing serves as a creative outlet for people to express their thoughts and feelings, but it also influences us in other ways.

“From what I’ve seen from my creative writing class, I think it’s a way to relax and feel less stressed,” said Mrs. Jelinek.

People can also use this program to connect with other writers. The NaNoWriMo organization has a youth writing program for young authors to participate during this month. Thousands of people, including Lodi local Angie Treinen, have taken part in NaNoWriMo. She has competed in previous years and also assisted her son in the Youth portion of the challenge. We asked her for advice for young authors.

Angie Treinen said, “One of the best things I ever did was National Novel Writing Month. When you are writing for a deadline and word count, it silences that inner critic. It really helps get the words out, having a goal rather than perfection…nothing better to get you going.”

When asked why writing is important, Mrs. Jelinek responded, “I think that you don’t always have the chance to do the creative writing that we do in the Creative Writing Workshop class because there are so many things we have to convey in regular English class. So, it gives people a chance to write about what they are interested in, and you don’t have to worry about a structure.”

Countless authors in the world have different styles and techniques. With the numerous genres of books and stories, there can be no shortage of what people can pick to write about during November or in life, in particular. People’s own thoughts and beliefs can influence their writing in many different ways.

When asked how she thinks writing influences us, Angie Treinen said, “When I am reading something from someone I know or another author, I get to see inside their minds that you don’t get to do in conversation. Writing puts complex thoughts into words.”

National Novel Writing Month is for everyone, no matter the experience or age. Writers may find themselves stuck in the middle of their writing, but this month pushes them to work past those obstacles and try to produce a great piece of writing without worrying too much. So as the leaves fall this November, let the thoughts of our authors fall onto the page.