National Novel Writing Month


National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is at hand.
Each year it draws thousands of writers world-wide.

The challenge? To draft a novel in one month.

Join us on October 29th, when Nico Janssen and Lisa Friedman will kick off the event. In a two-hour mini- workshop, we’ll reveal the professional’s approach to being productive—and getting that first draft of your novel on the page.

Your hosts: NaNo veteran Nico Janssen &
Lisa Friedman of the Amsterdam Writing Workshops
Suggested donation: 10 euros

28 comments:

  1. The sixth annual National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) kick-off workshop, presented by the Amsterdam Writing Workshops (AWW) and co-sponsored by the American Book Center, brought together 50 potential novelists to learn how to pound out 50,000 words in 30 days. They left with a pocket anatomy of the novel, tips on overcoming individual obstacles and lots of encouragement. "Just keep going," advised AWW’s Lisa Friedman . "It doesn’t get any better than just producing, producing and producing."

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  2. "Honestly, I was more interested in the FREE aspect than on the totally ridiculous idea of writing a novel in a month! At some point before the end of the workshop, the idea didn't seem so ridiculous and by the end... it was even feasible! I actually was more thinking of writing a poem a day, but that would have landed very far from the 50,000 words. It might be great if Nano could include some other categories... NanoPoMo?

    I hear the "P" word (participatory) all the time at work and this to me was a great example of a really participatory workshop. Someone led the discussion and the audience worked together to come up with solutions. This looks easy, but I know it isn't. Well done and thank you again."

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  3. "The information you presented was clear and very interesting. I learned about mind-mapping and also great tips for getting unstuck. The presentation did help me to get started, but unfortunately I have been working too many days and not devoting enough time to writing. I have used the free NaNo survival kit; 'The 26 Habits of Highly Effective Writers' is a useful guideline. The workshop was totally inspiring!"

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  4. “The main new information for me was that there is something called the NaNoWriMo and that anybody can try it. Everything at the presentation was perfectly timed and clear, especially the emphasis on what we should focus on and what we’ll have to put aside. I hope to see some of the people who were there and hear how it went for them.”

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  5. “I learned what I need to get the story rolling. I was always too self-conscious about my style. It helped that the instructor picked out three novels with very different styles; that gave me the assurance that it's okay to have my own way of telling my story.”

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  6. “The workshop helped me to look at my idea more spaciously and at the same time, with less hope and fear. I feel ready to let the ideas flow as they see fit, and less inclined to over-plan, which is a danger for me. In fact, I already got started. Overall, I felt more confident to just try and write my novel and see what happens.”

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  7. “I tend to over-think every word that goes down on the page, the workshop has given me the 'freedom' to just keep going; repeats, mistakes and all...and to see the repeats as signs indicating ideas that need to be developed.

    Just this morning I woke up with a clear vision of my main character and her 'context'. I feel I can write a novel in a month...hopefully....”

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  8. “I actually didn't know what NaNoWriMo was until attending the workshop, though I know it was mentioned in the email. I just didn't understand the concept until it was explained. It sounds both amazing and crazy.”

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  9. “I got encouragement; learned that the field is open--it really is up to you.”

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  10. “For me a useful tip was not to do research during the time set aside for writing. Use it as a reward. Since I am in the middle of a novel, I don’t want to start something new, although very tempting. So I’ll use NaNoWriMo to finish the current draft.

    I plan to write two hours a day. If I stick to that the draft will be finished at the end of the month. The workshop was inspiring! As the presenters were speaking, I kept getting ideas for my next novel and noted them down.”

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  11. “I learned a lot about style and technique. The hidden structure behind a novel was explained clearly and specifically.”

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  12. “My love of words was strengthened by this workshop.

    I am planning to use this month to establish a daily writing routine and write the ending to my existing work in progress—no 50,000 words, but, each day, a certain amount of time spent actually writing, instead of endlessly editing what has already been written.”

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  13. “The workshop wasn't just about the tangible and technical things we can learn, but also about tapping into our passion for writing and stories again, especially if we’ve forgotten it for a while in the hubbub of day-to-day life.

    I like the way the presenters treated each of us and our writing as equally important, and didn’t favor any genre over any other.”

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  14. "It was great! I’ve been wanting to participate in NaNoWriMo for years. Every year I’m either too late, too early or have my priorities confused. But this year I’m definitely giving it a try."

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  15. “Elucidating...gave me a clear idea how to approach starting a novel—and helped me to understand whichstyle I like most.”

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  16. “It was great! I’ve been wanting to participate in NaNoWriMo for years. Every year I’m either too late, too early or have my priorities confused. But this year I’m definitely giving it a try.”

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  17. “I thoroughly enjoyed the NaNoWriMo kick-off workshop… I am only a novice at writing. I'd never heard of NaNoWriMo, and the workshop with the information and notes really inspired to get that looming novel written! Writing a 50,000- word novel in 30 days? Well, apparently pressure does make diamonds!”

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  18. “I learned to focus, focus, focus… I also learned that everyone's process is different… And I think the presenter has special talent for creating a safe, encouraging space for people to write. many, many thanks. And the handouts are very useful.”

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  19. “I so enjoyed attending this very positive, inspiring and full-of-energy workshop.”

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  20. “I liked the examples. It seemed to me that it was probably enough information for new writers to chew on without choking. And it gave someone like me (who has heard it all) something to think about.”

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  21. “I learned about conflict, character, setting, voice, and the necessary sense of abandon… I like the lecturer of kick-off workshop.”

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  22. “I learned that it is perfectly OK to write an inconsistent, rambling first draft, as long as it gets your ideas and your creativity flowing. Editing comes later… Follow the voice in your head, write through, and your distinctive 'voice' will come… Be free, be wild, write with a feeling of abandon. This is where the energy is, this is where your voice is… I found the workshop very inspiring. I was overflowing with energy and just wanted to start my NaNoWriMo project writing now.”

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  23. “I learned that writing a novel in a month is possible, but it may not necessarily be my thing. However, if some people can do it in one month, I can do it in, for instance, three months.”

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  24. “I learned how to relinquish control by not re-reading, correcting, writing long-hand instead of digital, using prompts; and how to create a stimulating writing environment.”

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  25. “I learned mostly: to not think so much or judge yourself or edit...just do it! This is a huge problem for me usually, so I am excited to try writing in a new way. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and your kind guidance.”

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  26. “You actually managed to convinced me to join Nanowrimo! What I learned about writing a novel in a month is that it's about freewriting and working with 'self-made' prompts. It's about getting your first version on paper.”

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  27. “I was inspired and encouraged to keep on writing—because I'm not doing it alone. The fully packed room of writers is a motivating factor that fuels my writing life.”

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  28. “After the workshop I was very inspired, and enthusiastic (again) about NaNoWriMo. I am very motivated to complete the 50,000 words!”

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If you have taken this workshop, please send us your feedback here.