November is upon us. Some people participate in “No-Shave November” or “Movember,” involving not shaving or “No-Spend November,” involving not spending money. This year I’m going to try to add something to my daily routine.

For the first time since I’ve heard about it three years ago, I’m going to participate in National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo is about encouraging people to start writing that novel that they’ve wanted to write, and that’s why I’m doing it.

For years now, I’ve talked about writing a novel. When I found out about NaNoWriMo, we were halfway through November and I used that as an excuse. Then for the next two years, I used the excuse of not knowing what to write about. This year is different. I know what I’m going to write about and this is the perfect excuse to do so.

The NaNoWriMo event started in 1999 and became a non-profit in 2005.

According to the website, “National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.”

In a 2015 survey, 87% of respondents said that NaNoWriMo helped them learn what they can accomplish when determined.

Not only is NaNoWriMo a cool initiative to get people to accomplish their dreams, it is a non-profit that partners with local libraries, bookstores, and community centers to promote literacy and creativity around the world.

“In 2015, 431,626 participants started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.”

I’m going to need a lot of motivation and encouragement from my friends and family, but I know that I have a story to share and a goal to accomplish this month.

Wish me luck!