The problem is that I manage to meet hard, fast paying deadlines and not much else. Writing for fun? Work on my novel or either of my picture books in progress? Forget it.
Fortunately, I just read about a spring and summer time version of NaNoWriMo. Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) takes place in April and July.
Like NaNoWriMo, it is a great way to draw inspiration from your fellow campers. Of course, since this is writing camp, you're fellow campers are all writers and most of them are in the same situation I am. They are trying to squeeze writing into a busy summer schedule.
Unlike NaNoWriMo, you aren't expected to draft a novel in a month. That's right - there is no 50,000 words in one month goal. Honestly, I have trouble even typing that. I know I can write 15,000 words a month, but 50 thousand?
If you feel the same way, you'll be relieved to know that Camp NaNoWriMo allows you to set your own goals. Maybe you want to draft a chapter book for young readers. Set an 8000 word goal. Maybe you just want to get back into your novel. Would 100 words a day do it? 200? Set your goal to 3100 or 6200.
The point is that the goal is up to you. This is your camp.
Speaking of camp - you even get to participate in a cabin. This is perfect for those of us who are more than a little introverted. Campers are organized into cabins. This is a group of up to 20 people who are your "writing buddies" for the month of July. You can register for Camp NaNoWriMo and be randomly sorted into a cabin with other campers. Or, if this seems a little too like sleep over camp, you can join with a group of friends and form your own cabin.
Personally, I’m a lot more comfortable with this flexible program than the more heavily structured NaNoWriMo. If this sounds like something that would help jump start your writing this summer, you can sign up here. Questions? Check out their lengthy but informative FAQ page.
Me? I’m just debating – duffle bag or backpack?
--SueBE
To find out more about Sue Bradford Edwards' writing, visit her blog, One Writer's Journey. Sue is also the instructor for Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults. The next session begins August 14th.
5 comments:
Sue--We're having a Camp NaNoWriMo write-in at the art museum on July 8 from 1-4. (There's wifi there. ;)
We'll be meeting in Gallery 216 (Max Beckmann). It's open to kids and adults. Join us if you want a different spot to write...
Thank you for the invite! I'm always amazed by the number of people who write better in a new place. I do on retreat when I have my own room with a door. But anyplace I can see other people . . . oooo, what's Sioiux doing?
oh I just saw this art museum idea! I love this. Sioux, do we need to register? I might actually be able to make this....
Thanks for the info about NaNoWriMo Camp, I had heard of it but thought it was just like the November NaNo. I like the idea of setting your own goal, but not sure about how the cabins work, and how involved are the other campers in your cabin?
Also, Sioux, can anyone register for the Art Museum, or do I need an invite?
Mary,
Since I haven't done this yet, I'm not sure how involved the cabins are. My guess is that some are going to be way more involved than others. But that's just a guess? Any of you Ladies done this before?
--SueBE
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