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To define a single purpose to the National Novel Writing Month (affectionately called NaNoWriMo) is like trying to sculpture out a single purpose for mankind. It can not be done. There are many purposes and many benefits of NaNoWriMo, they can not fit on this single page, or the one following it. However, we can briefly touch on some of them here and now.

What is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo or the National Novel Writing Month is really a group of crazy writers and author want-a-bes, who take the month of November and they try to write an entire novel in thirty days. Many have full time jobs, families, kids, and other responsibilities. This means many are staying up late, sleeping little, and consuming mass amounts of caffeine.

Why?!?
There are really too many reasons, besides by asking we are trying to group a whole lot of people into one small answer. Many writers have their own reasons for participating in the challenge.

Deadlines Force Discipline.
Many of us claim to have stories in our heads, or feel we could write a novel. Most of us don't however, write it down. There are lots of excuses for not writing our novels. Time, fear, and of course a lack of determination. However, the November 30th deadline is just what it takes for some people to become disciplined and to force themselves into writing their novel.

Speed Forces Fearlessness.
Oh, there is nothing like feeling inadequate. We write what we have to say and we go back and go, "OH, what a load of crap!" It sounds bad, it sounds immature, it doesn't sound write. It is hard to write a novel, especially a good one. Because of the speed of this project, you don't have time to go back and edit. You have to move forward not backward. If you do look at it again, it will be in December (or after that). It doesn't matter if it is riddled with mistakes or painful to read.

Something About Getting that First One Out.
It doesn't matter how bad it turns out, there is just something about getting that first one out. Once it is on paper and you can tell people about your nightmarish rush to get it done, you can then relax. You have forced your way past your fear and the next one is much easier.

It Becomes Addicting.
Year after year, people come back. They like Novembers, in all their craziness. They like their month of lousy sleep and exhaustion. Novembers are exciting times!

The Challenge of it all.
Challenges make us do crazy things. It is no different when you hear, I can write a novel in a month, can you? The challenge is on. It may take blood, sweat, and tears, but by gosh it will be done.

Other writers find NaNoWriMo good for them for other reasons, but whatever is at the heart of it all, it is a growing phenomenon. More and more people participate each November and many come back. Novels are being produced left and right. So, whether you are producing your own novel this November or not, hats off to the writers who are.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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