Welcome

You've taken that first step. Pen and paper await you, blank and inviting. Or maybe it's a computer screen, the thinnest line of a cursor blinking away, awaiting the life you will breathe into it. Whatever has brought you to this point, congratulations on making it so far!

Writing is such a lonely process. Hours spent slaving away over people no one else knows, places no one but you has ever been. How many times have you told your friends and loved ones 'Right after I finish this chapter, I swear!' only to hear them snort, or scoff at you? This is why Year of the Novel exists, to bring a bit of camaraderie to this dark place you love so much.

We have built a community here, online and across the world. People like you, so unlike you, or so alien that you never imagined, are gathered for one purpose. Writing. It binds us, makes us whole where we were once separate. In this, you might find answers, inspiration, friends. Never again though, would you be alone. We strive to break that image, the lonely soul hunched over a typewriter, ink smudges covering their hands.

This is why we encourage you to join. Each new person, each singular idea, every little thought you have brings a larger force with it. Alone, we are simple people with a simple idea. Together, we are writers! So, we bid welcome to your twisted plots without end, the clean idea trapped in the muck, and the myriad of plot bunnies nipping at your heels. Within each of them is that small gem, glinting in the light every so often. It takes an entire crew of miners to reach a single diamond. Welcome to your writing adventure!

What IS Year of the Novel?

Year of the Novel is a writing challenge designed to spark your creativity. It's easy. You write 25,000 words or more in a month. You choose your word count goal, set it, and write! If 25,000 seems daunting, don't fret! It's under 1,000 words a day. Most of us can type that in chat or for a school assignment. Now just do it for 28-31 days.

The idea came about from a group of writers who wanted to challenge themselves year-round. They felt that it would be good to boost their creativity by writing in such a manner, and also help them with their writing overall.

So what can Year of the Novel do for you? For one thing, it can be a great way to give yourself something to do in your downtime. Completion of a work is a great way to boost confidence and self esteem. And you love to write anyway, why not? There are many reasons why Year of the Novel can be a good thing to participate in.

"So where do I start?" Excellent question! First, pick a word count goal. Then, pick a story. Plot as much or as little as you need to, and when the month starts, start writing!

"What if I've never written anything before?" You typed up this site address, and we're sure you've written a report for school or work. Now you just need to take it to the next level. That's what we're here for, to help you prove to yourself that you can do this!

"Do I have to write according to the challenges?" Not at all. They're just suggestions. Something to give you that extra push if you need or want it.

"Sign me up! When can I start?" Check out the website for the next Year of the Novel event! We run every other month.

Good luck, and have fun!

From the YotN Team.