Free writing workshops offered during National Novel Writing Month
National Novel Writing Month is a free, annual event each November to encourage people to write a 50,000-plus word first draft of their novel.
Anyone age 13 or older can register at www.naperwrimo.org to participate. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people take the plunge.
The Naperville region of NaNoWriMo serves the western cities and suburbs of Chicago. Throughout November, they are partnering with area libraries to aid participants in working on their novels. Due to the ongoing pandemic and NaNoWriMo policies for 2021, all events will be virtual.
They are partnering with Naperville Public Library District's Nichols Library and the Oak Park Public Library to offer free preparatory workshops in October.
Register with the hosting library, or visit www.naperwrimo.org/events for links to all NaNoWriMo registrations.
• "From Idea to Outline," an interactive workshop, will help you explore where your ideas come from, the craft of story structure and character design, and exercises on novel story outlining. Sponsored by Nichols Library in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• "How to Write a Novel When You Have No Plot" focuses on using what you know to finish that first draft. The workshop is sponsored by Oak Park Public Library from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct 10.
• "Story Wall Party": Need help fleshing out your story ideas? They will have breakout groups to take your story ideas to the next level. Sponsored by Nichols Library in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• "Worldbuilding." It's not just for sci-fi/fantasy. Come join a discussion on the importance of worldbuilding for contemporary fiction as well as science fiction/fantasy. Sponsored by Nichols Library in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m.
They also will be hosting a fun online kick-off party from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, on Zoom. Come to the virtual kick-off event, meet your fellow NaNo participants, and play games.
For more information, go to www.naperwrimo.org.
Follow www.facebook.com/NaperWriMo or twitter.com/naperwrimo.