Prepare for National Novel Writing Month with free workshops

Have you ever wanted to write a novel? If you need the motivation of a deadline combined with the support of other writers, consider participating in National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo).

NaNoWriMo is a free, annual event each November designed to encourage writers worldwide to write their 50,000+ word novel in just thirty days. With over 250,000 participants in 2011, including over 400 across the western suburbs, NaNoWriMo features lively discussion forums, friendly local events and inspirational e-mails from established authors.

To help people prepare for November, volunteers in the Naperville region of NaNoWriMo are partnering again with the Naperville Public Library to present three free workshops.

The first is Saturday, October 6th, 1-3 pm at the Nichols Library in Naperville. Led by Tim Yao, participants in this workshop will explore planning their novels to achieve greater emotional resonance with the readers.

The second workshop is Saturday, October 13th, 1-3 pm at the 95th Street Library in Naperville. Tom Ostler will lead participants through a fun deconstruction of the plot of a popular movie, focusing on character, character development, primary and secondary story arcs and the tension that drives the story to its conclusion. The second half of the session will look to apply what was just learned to develop a new, community inspired plot.

The third and final workshop is Saturday, October 20th, 1-3 pm at the Nichols Library. Roger Lubeck will help writers complete their preparation for NaNoWriMo through a self assessment that identifies important writing behaviors, habits, skills and tools that they will need.

All workshops are open to all interested participants.

For more information on these and other local events or to contact the volunteer Municipal Liaisons (Tim Yao, Katherine Lato and David Dean), visit http://naperwrimo.org

Participants wishing to sign-up for NaNoWriMo may visit www.nanowrimo.org.