A novel writing challenge: NaNoWriMo and the madness, plus PRIZES

Every year around this time I start blogging about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and while I am obviously once again blogging about NaNo, I've decided to do something a little different this year. This year, instead of just blogging about how I am doing in the challenge (and it will be a challenging year as I am expecting revision notes for two different books any week now) I want to know how YOU are doing. Oh yeah, and there will be prizes(so read on!)

For those of you who don't know, NaNoWriMo is a month long challenge where people all over the world attempt to write 50k words during the month of November. If you have ever wanted to write a book, this is a great time and a great challenge to get you noveling. I wrote THE END on my very first novel during NaNo 2005. That novel was ONCE BITTEN, which was released this past January. So, as you can guess, NaNo is a challenge I really believe in.

Officially, the 'prize' for participating in NaNo is typically a certificate and the satisfaction of reaching the goal. While writing 'THE END' for the first time (or the second, fifth, sixtieth time) is definitely a thrilling reward, I want to sweeten the pot a little for my blog readers.

Here is what I'm proposing:
-Everyone who participates on the blog and completes the 50k word challenge during NaNo will be listed in the acknowledgments page of my February release, TWICE DEAD.
-Of those people, I will pick a randomly generated 'grand prize winner' who will receive Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King as well as a copy of my up coming release.
-Also, everyone who participates on the blog, regardless of whether they complete the challenge, will be entered to win a copy of TWICE DEAD.
(I'll decide how many I'm giving away once I see how many people participate.)

Sound good?

Here is how you participate:
I will post a blog entry every day during November. In the comments section of that post, leave a quick message telling how your writing is coming and your current word count. (**Note: if you are reading this anywhere but my Facebook page or my blogspot blog, please bookmark www.kalayna.blogspot.com as only responses in these locations will be counted toward the contest.**) Feel free to talk about the triumphs and struggles as we all pound through this challenge, and I would encourage you to cheer each other on. I will comment as often as time allows, but I would love to see an active community grow through this challenge. Also, try to stop by and comment several times a week. Every new day's word count will give you another entry in drawings.

Easy enough, right? So who will be noveling along side me this NaNo season? I'd love for you to go ahead and introduce yourself in the comments here. The madness is coming, so good luck to everyone who plans to pound out some words!

Comments

Tyhitia Green said…
I'm first!! Okay, do I count since I'm already participating in person?? :-D
S. said…
Oh, could be fun...
Kalayna Price said…
You can definitely join in, Tyhitia. Despite the fact I'll see your wordcount on the forums and hear about your progress at write-ins, don't forget to check in here so you can rack up entries in the drawing! ^_^

Hey S. Welcome to the madness! (It is fun--or at least, I find over caffeinated writing sprints fun. LOL) I hope you join us.
J.P. said…
Aw, I miss NaNoWriMo! As it happens, though, November is also the month in which Lunch Money is recording our new album and it's a big time for Christmas pictures at Lumos Studio. Maybe next year!
(Do I at least get one entry for posting this?)
Marcia Colette said…
No NaNoWriMo for me. I already know I won't make it to the end because my little Nutter Butter is due on the 23rd...if not sooner. Talk about a way to break your writing stride. LOL! I can see me trying to push out a couple thousand words while pushing out a baby. So not gonna happen. :-) BUT...I will be checking in and cheering on.
Nicki Salcedo said…
I want in. I'm raekatjae on NaNo. Can I be entered in a drawing for book or acknowledgment or a hula hoop? :) Happy writing.
haricot vert said…
Erm, I'm in for NaNoWriMo, and if I can pull myself together, I'll do a daily word count update here, however, how about I just get a free copy of the first Alex book if I make 50k? :D
Anonymous said…
Kalayna,

This sounds fun. You can count me in.
Kai-Lee Kenniz said…
Yay! Thanks for holding this contest, we need all the community and encouragement we can get. You will be hearing from me!
Ginger said…
I'm in. Up until last weekend, I thought I knew what I was writing and then I changed my mind but I'm definitely writing something. This year, my goal is not only to do NaNoWriMo successfully but also to keep up with the writing in my blog. I also have medical stuff going on so it will be a challenge.
Sarah Templeton said…
Love it; this is a great idea! Good luck everyone on your novels this coming month!
Kalayna Price said…
Welcome everyone! I'm looking forward to taking this challenge with all of you. I'll be cheering you on, so comment often!
Can I join too? This is my first time on NaNo so it will be a big challenge, but I'm extremely excited!
Can't wait. :)
Kai-Lee Kenniz said…
Alright guys, it's down to the wire on day one, and even though I got a late start (was not able to start writing until almost 10p.m.!) I managed to pound out 1,018 words on this year's novel experiment tentatively titled "Fortune's Folly." I'll be writing past midnight I'm sure, but I wanted to update. Happy noveling everyone!
Heather
S. said…
I have 1.5 k and am trying to stay awake. It's almost midnight here, but I spent the day raking and am now tired. Blah.
AngelMeag said…
I got 1,519 written yesterday. More to come when I get home from work :-)
Anonymous said…
Hey are you a professional journalist? This article is very well written, as compared to most other blogs i saw today….
anyhow thanks for the good read!

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