November is National Novel Writing Month, and The Retreat at Tampa Blog is celebrating with a post all about writing. Each November National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo) challenges novice novelists to writing a 50,000 novel in one month. This averages into just about 1,667 words per day. This is marathon writing, with writers spending hours upon hours writing in order to complete a novel in one month. If writing a novel is on your bucket list, then by all means join NaNoWriMo by signing up on their website and participate in the challenge. If writing a novel isn’t quite for you, then read on to find out a little bit more about the benefits of writing in a journal.
Writing has been shown to have plenty of benefits. Writing can help you have a more positive attitude, help your wounds heal more quickly, and even help you become a happier and more resilient person. Keeping a journal can improve your life by helping you keep track of your goals, remember what you’re grateful for (perfect for Thanksgiving), and unlock your creativity. Writing a little bit everyday, or even every week, can benefit you immeasurably. Write as often as you have time to write, and write in the medium that makes you feel most comfortable. There all sorts of different ways to write. You can write on a blog, write using a journal writing app, or write using a traditional paper journal. Find the medium that works with your life and schedule.
If you are planning on participating in National Novel Writing Month, use the NaNoWriMo website for support and help in writing your 50,000 words. We love the Write In events that NaNoWriMo offers. This is what the official NaNoWriMo website says about these events:
“NaNoWriMo’s Come Write In (CWI) program connects libraries, bookstores, and other neighborhood spaces with their local NaNoWriMo participants (or Wrimos) to build vibrant writing communities.
Every November, thousands of writers around the world congregate at Come Write In spaces to pursue their creative dreams and write the first draft of their novel.”
If your town doesn’t offer a Write In event, you can participate in one of the virtual Write Ins that NaNoWriMo holds.
NaNoWriMo also offers pep talks from famous authors to help encourage writers when the writing gets difficult. One of our favorite pep talks, from Robin McKinley offers this encouragement:
“And may you have an absolutely brilliant time doing it. Writing can be the worst, and often is—but it can also be the best. May you come out of that month knowing what you want to do next, and eager to keep going.”
Happy writing this month! Another great way to participate in National Novel Writing Month is to support writers by reading their work. Pick up a book at your local bookstore or library to read this month. Are you planning on participating in NaNoWriMo or starting a journal this month? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!