I Wrote a Novel, Now What?

Transitioning from the high-speed, deadline-driven mayhem of NaNoWriMo back into the real world can be a little disconcerting. Unwashed dishes are towering in the sink, loved ones are bewildered and confused at our presence, and we suddenly have to measure achievement in something other than 1667-word increments.

Chances are good that you feel pretty energized by November's literary marathon. If you'd like to keep that writerly ball rolling, you're welcome to continue to use the NaNoWriMo forums for encouragement, prodding, and motivation. The forums will be open all year to 2005 participants, and we recommend using the Alumni Lounge as a great all-season clubhouse for ongoing novel discussions.

Also, we've been receiving word of several events that might help provide some structure and community for your post-NaNo endeavors. We're not affiliated with any of them, but as far as we know, all of these events are free and open to everyone. If you know of any other sites or events we should be posting here, drop us a line! The best address is press@nanowrimo.org

NaNoWriMo-style writing events coming up on the horizon

NaNoFiMo.org - National Novel Finishing Month (December). Goal: 30,000 words.

JaNoWriMo January Novel Writing Month (January). Goal: 50,000 words. Must be a LiveJournal user to participate.

NaNoEdmo.org NaNoEdMo - National Novel Editing Month (March). Goal: 50 hours of revision

NaNoWriYe.com - National Novel Writing Year (Year-Round). Goal: 100,000 or more words in a year.

Unofficial on-line groups dedicated to off-season support

The NaNoWriters Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NanoWriters/

And if you're a validated NaNoWriMo winner and you're ready to get that manuscript printed, the POD company Lulu.com is making the same kind offer as last year: A free copy of your winning NaNoWriMo manuscript printed in book form. To register, head to http://www.lulu.com/nanowrimo/nanowrimo.php

As for me, I'm planning on sleeping until April. And then I very much look forward to climbing out of bed and starting work on the 2006 event. If you have any suggestions on ways we could improve the event for next year (or really loved something we did this year and don't want to see us screw it up in 2006), drop us a note in the Site and Message Board Feedback Area of the forums.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated this year, and a special hug to our donors and Municipal Liaisons! We couldn't have done it without you.

See you next October!

Chris
NaNoWriMo