What is NaNoWriMo and why am I participating?

NaNoWriMo is an acronymn for National Novel Writing Month: “a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.” You can find out more by visiting the NaNoWriMo website.

I’ve decided to participate this year because I want the challenge of finishing a novel-length story in 30 days. I’ve written a few stories but haven’t finished any of serious length, always dropping them and moving on when the going got rough. I currently have enough unfinished manuscripts  on my computer, thank you. Now I want a complete work under my belt to give me confidence and momentum for a serious writing career.

So, in a couple of days I’ll be starting a novel. Right now I’m excited and nervous at the same time, but determined to see this through.