The project started in July 1999 with just 21 participants, but by 2010 over 200,000 people took part.
Individuals wishing to participate can register on the NaNoWriMo website at http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/sign_in, where you can post information about your novel. Word count is validated on the site (writers submit a copy of their novel for automatic counting). The official 'Forums' provide a place for advice, information, and support and are available from the beginning of October, when signups for the year begin.
According to the rules, a participant's novel can be on any theme and in any genre, and in any language. Starting at midnight November 1, novels must reach a minimum of 50,000 words before 11:59:59 PM on November 30, local time. Planning and extensive notes are permitted, but no earlier written material can go into the body of the novel, nor is one allowed to start early and then finish 30 days from that start point.
No official prizes are awarded for length, quality, or speed. Anyone who reaches the 50,000 word mark is declared a WINNER!!! However, in October 2008, the self-publishing company CreateSpace teamed up with NaNoWriMo to begin offering winners a single free, paperback proof copy of their manuscripts, with the option to use the proof to then sell the novel on Amazon.com. I am not sure if CreateSpace is still offering this deal, but it would be worth looking into.
I am also not certain I am up for the challenge, but I am motivated and have registered on the NaNoWriMo website...What about you?
Are you participating this year? Who is up for the challenge??
God Bless! T Denise Clary
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