Last Chance: Deadline for National Novel Writing Month is Today

Here's the challenge: successfully complete the seemingly impossible task of writing a novel in just one month.

The Sewickley Public Library, Penguin Bookshop and the Sewickley Valley YMCA OASIS programs are teaming up in November to present National Novel Writing Month for teens to help do just that in conjunction with NaNoWriMo.

"This November, we aim to help young writers develop and hone their craft by encouraging them to try writing an entire novel in 30 days," said Emily Fear, teen librarian.

The program is in conjunction with the official NaNoWriMo organization and its Young Writers Program. Teens who take on the annual November novel writing project get to lock away their inner editors, let their imaginations take over, and just create for one entire month.

Participants will begin writing on  Thursday, Nov. 1 and must finish by midnight, Nov. 30. The Young Writers Program (YWP) allows 17-and-under participants to set reasonable yet challenging, individual word-count goals. 

Ateam of professional writers and a local author have been assembled in Sewickley to provide guidance, training and inspiration through the writing sessions. The challenge culminates with an end-of-month celebration.

Fear said there are currently 14 participants registered, about twice the number expected. Additional participants are welcome. 

Teens have until tonight to sign up. To join, click here.

--

The National Novel Writing Month kickoff event begins at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the library, featuring Stephanie Brea of Word Farm Workshops. Brea will offer guidance on Thursday, Nov. 8 during a Second Week Writing Session at Penguin Bookshop.  Patch recently had the opportunity to interview Stephanie Brea about her love of writing and working with young writers. Read what she had to say here.