The challenge: a minimum of 50,000 words in 30 days. Can you do it?

In November 1999, an event began that was meant to bring writers of all kinds together in an effort to challenge, better, unite with others, support other creators and commit themselves to their craft. The challenge to cross the 50,000-word marker in 30 days was issued – thus beginning the yearly tradition of ‘National Novel Writing Month’ also known as NaNoWriMo. By 2005, the organization and event grew to such a level that it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Psst – for those not in the know! As per the Wikipedia version of the IRS definition, a 501[c][3] nonprofit is defined as an organization that “falls under category 501(c)(3), whereby a nonprofit organization is exempt from federal income tax if its activities have the following purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering amateur sports...”

Disclaimer: This writer knows Wikipedia is typically a no-no in terms of being a sourced used to cite information; but in this instance the material matched and cleaned up in easier to understand language the definition and information the IRS listed on their site.

Every year the event grows by leaps and bounds. In November 2015 alone over 430,000 creators joined in on the cause. Since its inception over 250 NaNoWriMo-based novels have been traditionally published. There are contests and prizes each year and there are a wide variety of activities, both locally to writers and via Internet-based access points and so much more to accomplish during these 30 days. Make connections and make friends and continue to support others and get support in return long after the end of the annual event itself.

This writer is joining on the fun. Yes, I am already published through an indie-based publishing house but the challenge is fun, intense and there is a little competition going on in house. I’m using the event as a way to develop and start my next series for when The Black Blood Legacies finally come to a close. If you are joining in on the event, buddy up with me! My username is JRSmith0612. As of day 2, I am sitting comfy at just under 4,800 words. That means I have about… 45,200 words to go.

I’m ready for this marathon. Are you?

For more information, visit Nanowrimo.org.

Until next time!