If you have ever thought about writing a novel, now is your chance to give it a try: This year, the James Kennedy Public Library is participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The goal is to write one 50,000 word novel in one month's time. There are no judges, no prizes, and entries are often deleted before anyone even reads them.  So what's the point?  According to Chris Baty, NaNoWriMo founder and Executive Director, "The 50,000 word challenge has a wonderful way of opening up your imagination and unleashing creativity."  NaNoWriMo Program Director Lindsey Grant says, "Writing a novel in a month inspires incredible confidence in seasoned and first-time novelists alike.  Completing a draft of the novel they've been contemplating for ages gives participants a tremendous sense of accomplishment and leaves them wondering what else they're capable of."

Although the event emphasizes creativity and adventure over creating a literary masterpiece, more than 90 novels begun during NaNoWriMo have since been published, including Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, both #1 New York Times Best Sellers.  Are you ready for the challenge?

Throughout the month of November there will be four author visits as well as dedicated time & space at the library for writers to work.  See below for the entire schedule of events.

How NaNoWriMo Works:

1) Sign up for the event by clicking the "Start Here" link in the center of the site (www.nanowrimo.org) and complete the form.

2) Check your email and read what the NaNoWriMo noveling robots send you.  You will also need to follow a link to confirm your account.

3) Log into your account and use the links on the My NaNoWriMo page to share a little bit about yourself.

4) Read through all the great advice and funny stories in the forums. Post some  stories and questions of your own. Get   excited. Get nervous. Try to rope someone else into doing this with you. Eat lots of chocolate and stockpile noveling rewards.

5) On November 1, begin writing your    novel. Your goal is to write a 50,000-word novel by midnight, local time, on November 30th. Write on your own computer, using whatever software you prefer.  Writing with pen and paper is also fine—counting the words is just more challenging.

6) Starting November 1, you can update your word count at the NaNoWriMo site and post excerpts of your work for others to read. Watch your word-count  accumulate and story take shape. Feel a little giddy.

7) Come to the JKPL regularly to enjoy presentations, snacks and companionship. Write with other NaNoWriMo participants in the area. Write by yourself. Just Write!

8) If you write 50,000 words by midnight on November 30th, you can upload your novel for official verification, and be added to the  Winner’s Page, receive a winner’s certificate and web badge. (Instructions on how to upload your novel will be available in mid-November.

9) Win or lose, you rock for even trying. That's all there is to it!

Schedule of Events: 

Tuesday, November 1 - Kick off for NaNoWriMo

The library will kick off this special month by providing space  for writers and visits by two authors.  The Hoffman Meeting Room will be set aside all day (9:00 am to 8:00 pm) for use of  NaNoWriMo articipants.  Snacks and beverages will be provided.  At 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm there will be presentations by authors, with the remainder of the time providing an opportunity for writing!

Tuesday, November 1 @ 2:00 pm- Bruce Bothwell

Author Bruce Bothwell, from Asbury, Iowa, has been writing since 1960 and currently has written and self-published 16 books. One of his books, On the Tramp, is about his father's experiences as a hobo during the Great Depression.  He will be available to answer questions about the writing process, his books, and self publishing.

Tuesday, November 1 @ 5:00 pm - Mary Potter Kenyon

Mary Potter Kenyon, from Manchester, Iowa, will talk about living a writing way of life.She applies principles of lifelong learning to the freelance writing experience.  Her writings have been published in various national magazines including "Woman's Day" and "Home Education".  She has also been published in a dozen anthologies including "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. Kenyon currently writes for The Manchester Press newspaper. She will answer questions about the writing process and her freelance writing.

Monday, November 7 @ 6:30 pm -  Kay Woodhouse

Author Kay Woodhouse, from Delhi, Iowa, is the author of four books.  Her latest book is Horses & Moore.  She visits schools and talks to students about the writing process and will share some insights with the audience and answer questions.

Thursday, November 17 @ 7:00 pm - Robert Buckley

Author Robert Buckley, from Marion, Iowa, will talk about his books and the writing process. Recently added to the library's collection is his book, The Slave Tag, which takes place in the Midwest with part of the action in Dubuque.  His experience with writing in advertising and traveling, life in Dubuque, as well as his book, will be of interest.

Dedicated Writing Time & Space:

The library will encourage writers during NaNoWriMo by providing them with a place to write in the Hoffman Room. Time, space, and snacks are available for local writers on the following days and times:  (Laptops will also be made available for use in the library but writers will need to bring a flash drive or plan to work/save on the web as they won’t be able to save directly to the laptop.)

Tuesday, November 1, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (author visits at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm)

Saturday, November 5, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Monday, November 7, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm (author visit at 6:30 pm)

Friday, November 11, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Monday, November 14, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tuesday, November 15, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday, November 17, 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm (author visit at 7:00 pm)

Friday, November 18, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Monday, November 21, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday, November 23, 9:00 am to 12 noon

Friday, November 25, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Saturday, November 26, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Monday, November 28, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tuesday, November 29, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday, November 30, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm