NaNoWriMo

It's November 1, which means today's the start of National Novel Writing Month, affectionately referred to as NaNoWriMo!

During the month of November every year, writers of all stripes from all over the world come together to do what we love: Write, write, write!


image: freedigitalphotos.com/Nuttapong

NaNoWriMo participants set a goal of writing an entire 50,000-word novel (approximately 175 pages) from beginning to end in just one month's time. It's a huge challenge, but lots of people enjoy the community feeling of writing alongside friends.

When you join NaNoWriMo, you get to:

• Choose a username for your account
• Track your daily word count and upload your writing
• Log in and chat with other writers for encouragment
• Be part of an exciting movement of creative people who just want to write their hearts out

I've tried NaNoWriMo twice now, and I never made the 50,000 word goal. (I eventually finished my novels--just not in one month!) For me, it's still fun to try. Maybe for you, too.

Check it out!

Monday Musings: Do you know other authors?

One of the most fun things about being a YA author is getting to meet lots of other authors whose books I've read and enjoyed.

My writer friends are spread all over the country, and all over the world, but I am lucky enough to cross paths with them at conferences, book fairs, writing retreats and all manner of fun book-related events.

The community of people who write for children and young adults is really amazing! Through the wonder of the internet, we can stay connected through blogs and social networks even when we can't see each other in person.

These are just a few of my writer friends, from various genres. If you haven't read their books, you should definitely check them out!


Laurie Calkhoven: Laurie writes the adventure-packed historical fiction series Boys at Wartime, featuring Daniel at the Siege of Boston, Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, and Michael at the Invasion of France.

Helen Frost: Helen is a poet, picture book author and novelist, author of Keesha's House, Hidden, The Braid, Step Gently Out, and more.



Bethany Hegedus: Bethany writes middle grade novels, like Truth with a Capital T and Between Us Baxters. Her first picture book is due out soon, too.

Malinda Lo--Malinda writes exciting fantasy adventures, like Ash (a Cinderella retelling, with a twist!) and it's seequel, Huntress.



Marie Rutkoski: Marie writes exciting fantasy, too. Her newest book is called The Shadow Society.

Eliot Schrefer-- Eliot writes lots of things, but especially YA fiction. I got to read Eliot's new book Endangered, about a girl trying to save bonobos (endangered apes) in the Congo, before it was a book! It'll be out in stores very soon.