Trying to write a novel? Why not write it this month? Yes, the whole thing. Join over 120,000 aspiring writers as they take part in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) where in one month writers will create a full 175-page (50,000-word) novel.

As described on their site: NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It’s all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly. Check out their video about getting started:

I absolutely love this idea! Not only does it get a person started on writing (which can often be a daunting task) but by being part of a collective effort, it makes the process more supportive (writers can commiserate and celebrate with one another) and less lonely (which I find writing can often be). You can also get sponsored to write your novel and raise money for the Office of Letters and Light, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that created NaNoWriMo. Donations will help support NaNoWriMo’s youth and adult novel-writing programs, as well as the Office of Letters and Light’s operating expenses.

Writing began November 1 but you can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight.