Let National Novel Writing Month be the motivation you need

November 09, 2009

"Everyone has at least one novel in them," is a sentiment often espoused by writers. November is National Novel Writing Month, so use this as an excuse to get your great American novel down on paper.

For those of you struggling to be productive, a writing group might provide the support you need to stop procrastinating. Get a group of other aspiring authors together and set up a schedule of meetings for the month. Meet once or twice a week to read each others work, give opinions, advice and, most importantly, motivate each other.

Not everyone has to come out with a finished novel for the project to have been a success. Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement to get the ball rolling on a writing project.

At the end of the month, host a party to celebrate all of your progress. Serve wine and cheese, and encourage guests to read from their work. Or, make it a little more relaxed and invite everyone to come dressed as their favorite literary character. A hunting cap with ear flaps would make an easy Holden Caulfield costume, and pair of round spectacles and a wand is all you need for Harry Potter. Hand out copies of your favorite novel as party favors.