Kicking Off NaNoWriMo: How This Writing Challenge Sparked My Debut Novel, Bounty’s Justice

My plan for this blog was to release a post once a week, but I am already steering off course. Every November, writers worldwide join together for a whirlwind of creativity, motivation, and, of course, word count goals. It’s all part of National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo. Last year, I dove headfirst into this writing marathon after my sister asked if I would join her. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I ended up with the first draft of my debut novel, Bounty’s Justice. Well, we are doing it again this year, and with November starting tomorrow, I wanted to get an update to everyone. I’m ‘chomping at the bit’ to be back at it, writing my next book and pushing my creative limits alongside my sister and, for the first time, my nephew! I am ecstatic he is joining us and cannot wait to read what he writes!

What is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo is a month-long writing challenge that takes place every November. The goal is simple yet ambitious: write 50,000 words in 30 days. It’s a challenge that has inspired countless writers to finally tell that story they’ve been carrying in their minds. The aim isn’t to produce a perfectly polished finished novel, or even part of one, but to complete a substantial portion of a first draft by focusing on output, not perfection.

NaNoWriMo is an organization that supports writers with resources, community events, and an online platform where participants can track their word count and connect with fellow writers. Writers of all levels and walks of life can join together, find inspiration, and cheer each other on through the writing process.

The Purpose of NaNoWriMo: Fueling Creativity Through Focus and Community

NaNoWriMo’s purpose goes beyond word counts, of course. It’s about embracing creativity and carving out daily time for focused writing. With the challenge to write consistently over a month, NaNoWriMo helps writers break through self-doubt, perfectionism, writer’s block, or many other factors hindering us as writers. It encourages “write now, edit later.”

Participants can share their progress and triumphs and cheer each other on as they reach for their word count goals. No matter where you are in your writing career, NaNoWriMo provides the perfect space to hone your craft, silence your inner critic, and give life to your stories.

How NaNoWriMo and My Sister Inspired Bounty’s Justice

I have little doubt that publishing Bounty’s Justice wouldn’t have happened without NaNoWriMo – or, most of all, my sister’s encouragement. Last year, she convinced me to join her in the challenge, nudging me into committing to that 50,000-word goal. If it weren’t for her and the momentum NaNoWriMo brought, I might still be sitting on the idea for Bounty’s Justice. Hell, I might not have even had the idea for the story in the first place!

By the end of November, I had the foundation of a story I was genuinely excited about. Though the published story may look very different from that first draft (Sorry, Chelsea Brooke!), you need to start somewhere. Over the next year, I polished that first draft, shaping it into the novel I eventually published. The experience taught me the power of showing up every day to write, and it showed me that with the proper support and community, creative dreams can become realities.

This Year’s NaNoWriMo: Moving Forward with My Next Novel

I’m using NaNoWriMo this year to make headway on my next novel. While NaNo’s goal is 50,000 words, my target for this project is higher. Still, the daily push and accountability of NaNoWriMo provide me with a solid jumpstart, helping me to stay on track and keep moving forward.

NaNoWriMo’s community, the sense of accomplishment in hitting daily targets, and the sheer energy of the event are all motivating me to go beyond the 50,000-word mark. By the end of this November, I’ll have a substantial portion of my next novel and ready to crank out the rest of the first draft come December and beyond.

Join the Journey

As I work through NaNoWriMo, I’ll share progress updates, sneak peeks, and more. If you’re curious to see how this novel unfolds or want to stay in the loop on my writing journey, be sure to subscribe to my blog. Let’s cheer each other on – and maybe NaNoWriMo will inspire your next major creative leap, too!

The featured image for this post is this years NaNoWriMo participation badge designed by Jonathan Ball. Find more information on the NaNoWriMo website.