National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo helped me get in gear and actually get words down on paper. Until my first NaNo (even though I didn't finish my 50,000) I thought being a writer was something other people did. Now I keep writing all year round, and participate in other writing contests and competitions that the Office of Letters and Light posts.

They definitely need better servers, because (while they anticipate the influx of visitors on October 31st and November 1st) their servers crash under the weight of so many visitors.

My husband and teenage son tricked me into being involved in the NaNoWriMo 2010 challenge. I'm not sure that I would have done it without being coerced. In late October, I visited the site and read as much as I could about the challenge, and as November arrived, I was actually excited about putting my thoughts in writing. The Office of Letters and Light did a great job convincing me that I could really write a novel in 30 days.

Along with the workbooks, tips and hints, I also appreciated some of the posts by professionals, the story starters, and the suggestions that were meant to get writers past the dead zone of story stagnation. It was also fun to watch my progress on my project and the word counts from around the US and the world.

Our family took advantage of the beta version of Scrivener for Windows, and were very pleased with the tools that helped us organize our thoughts and achieve our writing goals. We are working on the rewrites of our works and plan to have them finished and printed by CreateSpace.

The comments, tips and encouragement I received from OLL helped me to complete my first novel and I hope to participate again this year.

Nanowrimo is what gave me the incentive to finish two novels now. Neither are ready for publication, but they are now all down in print, which they wouldn't have been without Nanowrimo. I'm a full time teacher. Several of my students competed in Nanowrimo as well. Let's face it, most of us are not big self-starters and are lazy. At least I am. But give us something that sets a goal, allows clear feedback on how I'm doing, and connects me with others facing the same goal, and I get happily competitive and motivated. I can hardly wait for next November so I can do it again.

I stumbled across NaNoWriMo back in 2009. I'd always loved to write--but I had a hard time finishing off drafts of all the stories I had running around my head. I'd write a few chapters, agonize over quality issues, go back and refine my work...and get bogged down in the first 20,000 words or so.

I took the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2009, determined to finally get a hefty draft of a novel done. And I did it!

Though I've heard lots of participants enthuse about the forums and the online community, that wasn't what did it for me. Nope.

I had those word count goals each day that I struggled to hit. I tended to squeeze in 500 words or so at my high school during my free period...and my friends would come over and ask me, "Hey, what are you doing?" (at first). I'd tell them about NaNoWriMo. They'd often say, "That's so cool! How many words do you have so far?"

Some of my friends said that they have stories they really want to write and that they'd love to do this challenge next year...so I made sure that they did!

For NaNoWriMo 2010, my friend and I founded a writing club at our school and encouraged many club members to participate. I finished off another novel. My friend was super excited to finish off her first NaNoWriMo novel. And we had a few other club members hit the 50,000 word mark. Even those who didn't make it all the way wound up writing WAY more than they would have any other month. It seemed to be a positive experience for everyone.

The NaNoWriMo events that I've participated in have helped me and people in my community to realize how much they can accomplish with daily goals and self-discipline. It also helps us quiet our inner editors so that we can get through the first draft. It's an event and an experience that I recommend to just about everyone.

I've participated in NaNoWriMo for two years in a row now, and I've written two different novels because of it. The site helped me every step of the way in terms of motivation, planning, and keeping me on track! There's no way I would have finished either novel without them!

What a wonderful thing to do every year! Through OLL comes NaNoWriMo, the haven for writers around the world, who with the support of other people for that single month become something far greater than what they, alone, are as a sum of all parts. I know without NaNo my life would be a lot different—and, frankly, a lot less enjoyable!

I came across this wonderful organization completely by chance. OLL gave me a wonderful opportunity I didn't know even existed. I had a dream of writing a story for a long time, and thanks to OLL i finally did it ! It was an amazing experience, and the definitely deserve a prize!!!

I've participated in the OLL's NaNoWriMo (that's National Novel Writing Month: writing a 50,000-word novel over the course of November) experience five times, although I skipped three years while I was in university. For my own part, I find the experience of writing a novel in 30 days brings me to creative heights that I simply don't make time for during other parts of the year - although after NaNoWriMo 2010 I have been working hard on editing my novel and bringing it to a higher standard.

There are two very big reasons for how enriching the NaNoWriMo experience is: first, the inclusive, dynamic, joyful community fostered by the OLL's forums and the OLL's municipal liaison programme (which helps create local communities with 'real life' meet-ups); second, the staff at the OLL itself, who offer support, encouragement, and humour before, during, and after the month.

In addition to all of this, the OLL specifically works to encourage young people to reach their own creative heights, through the Young Writers Program (YWP). This program works to bring NaNoWriMo into classrooms and curriculums. This is an incredibly important initiative that enables schools to foster creation and project-oriented enthusiasm in students.

I'm a 2010 NaNoWriMo winner. I never had so much fun in my life, honestly. Write a novel in a month? Sure, why not. Except that it wouldn't have happened without the encouragement and support of the Office of Letters and Light, and by that I mean the stories, the comments by other writers, and the encouraging articles by writers and others. "Unleash your inner author" sounds pretty silly, until you actually do it. OLL helped me (and my spouse) do it this year, and we're very very grateful.

Thank you, OLL.

Everyone says they want to write a novel someday. The Office of Letters and Light, through its program National Novel-Writing Month, WILL help you succeed. I have written eight novels, only one unfinished. I have also written four screenplays, at least two of which I think are pretty darn good. And I am a computer programmer by trade!

The people that run the Office of Letters and Light know what they are doing. The programs are just the right level of commitment that make you reach for more than you thought you could do. And the motivation is phenomenal. They know what you're going through, because they've been through it themselves. They know all the buttons to push to help everyone succeed. I love this group!

NaNoWriMo is a great way to discover your creative flair. There is so much support from these guys from their website, local catch ups and from emails sent during the month of november. I have participated on two NaNoWriMo's and now I fell like I could take on the world!

I've competed in NaNoWriMo for four years running, and won the last two years. It's been a huge boost to my writing self-confidence, knowing that I am capable of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. NaNoWriMo and the Office of Letters and Light's other projects, such as the mini NaNo curriculum circulated to schools around the country, are a great tool to get people's creative juices flowing and especially, inspire kids to write, write, write! Many authors of tomorrow are the NaNo contestants of today, and I will always be indebted to the OLL for getting me started.

As a winning participant since 2002, I have the seen dedication and love of writing of the OLL only grow and reach more people. The founder, Chris Baty, is an awesome creative genius that has the ability to inspire hundreds of thousands of people into the realization that they, too, can achieve greatness and become novelists extraordinaire.

I am an aspiring author who suffers from the two most deadly diseases a writer can have: Procrastination and Writer's Block. I have wonderful story ideas, but despaired of ever bringing them to fruition. Then, in late October of 2010, one of my friends told me about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a contest that challenged writers to reach 50,000 words in one month. I jumped at the chance, picked one of my story ideas, and, before I knew it, November was gone and I was standing with my story 50,000 words closer to completion. In one month, I achieved more than I had in the past three years.

I enjoyed the chance to participate in a contest that valued QUANTITY over QUALITY. So many writers (myself included) get caught up in making each sentence perfect before moving on, which makes for a very slow writing process. There also is no pressure to present the fruits of your labor in any format beyond the word count. You can post up excerpts if you wish, but the word count is paramount. And I found that having a little bar or graph to fill up gave me a great deal of motivation.

In order to reach the 50,000 target word out, I had to make time to sit down and write each and every day. Having a suggested daily word count (as well as what you need to write in order to get back on track should you fall behind) were excellent motivational tools. This got me into the habit of writing every day in any moment of spare time I could get my hands on. It was invigorating, liberating, and I loved every moment of it.

I truly believe that any aspiring writer should participate in NaNoWriMo at least once, but I recommend trying to keep the frantic pace of NaNoWriMo a constant in your life even after the contest is over. As a writer, you will not regret it.

The Office of Letters and Light's annual NaNoWriMo contest they hold each november got me off my butt and actually type over 50,000 words of my novel. When my profile said "winner" I felt so happy and excited that I was among the few [or the many] who are like me. Writers.
The OLL staff is very friendly and considerate, as well as humorous and there for anyone who wants to talk or ask questions.
Really there is not much else they can do except for being the awesome group they are :)

When I started my first NaNoWriMo on November 1st, 2010, I had no idea what I was in for. I thought that this would be just like every other time I'd tried to write a novel: I'd work really hard on it for a week or so, and then I'd get writer's block and wander off to do something else. On day 2, my main character got run over by a mob. I hadn't meant that to happen. It just did. This is the kind of organic, spontaneous creativity that is necessary for writing, and NaNoWriMo taught it to me. NaNoWriMo isn't about making the story perfect, although that is, of course, a bonus. It's about meeting deadlines, writing 50,000 words in 30 days. If that means throwing giant robots and maniacal uncles at your characters to see how they react, so be it. It's about overcoming obstacles. When the story throws up some problem, you don't have time to freeze up and sit there dithering. You have to leap into action to find a solution, because if you don't, you'll be stuck at 14,000 words, watching everyone else win. And it's about self-confidence: if all goes well, you will have written a novel in a month, and if you can do that, you can do anything.

I always wanted to write a book. My son told me about NaNo (he learned about the program at school) and I thought, "Great idea!" I signed onto the website and started writing. I thought it would take me three days. Then reality set it. It took me almost 30 days but I DID IT! I am now a huge supporter of NaNo, in the hopes that they will encourage many more people (like me) to sit down and start writing!

I am a brand-new writer and a follower of Ginny W., on About.com and I "discovered" NaNoWriMo this year. (2010) The encouragement I received, and regular doses of coaching kept me going all the way to the end. I am going to do this this year and fully expect the same wonderful coaching I received this year.

I've taken part in NaNoWriMo twice now, and both times reached my word count. The time limit helped me push myself to actually get the stories down on paper, while the forums provided a group of like-minded people, encouragement, and surprisingly regular pure entertainment.
The motivation provided simply by signing up, let alone the e-mails and pep talks.
Would never realistically have found the time or been able to push myself to finish the full 50 000 words without it.

I am part of the Young Writers Program. I'd never tried to write a full-length novel before, although I'd talked about wanting to for many years. But then I found NaNoWriMo, and I've written my first book. I'm sure that I'll be writing books here.

As a struggling fiction writer, who also has to hold down a full-time job, it can be hard to find the time and mental energy to come home at night and write. OLL's NaNoWriMo event each November gives me the boost I need to keep going, to remember what I'm capable of, and to remind me just how joyous it is to write whether I'm ever published or not. I've done Nano four times now, and I'm really grateful for this fun and inspiring service.

I have been noodling around with stories for all my life but they were either short or incomplete. NaNoWriMo was the impetus I needed to finish a full novel... and then five more novel ideas stood up and demanded their chance. OLL can indeed share the credit for the writer's journey that was begun on that rainy, windy November. Whenever circumstances allow, my Novembers will be spent Nano-ing. Thank you, NaNoWriMo.

I participated in Nanowrimo in 2010 and at the age of 15, wrote a 50'000 word novel... how many 15 year olds can say that, eh?
It helped me decide that I want to be in the writing career, and played a big part in getting me in to college as the people there were impressed with it.
I know I am definitely doing it again next year

I participated in the NaNoWriMo event for the for the first time in November 2010). I reached the goal of writing a 50,000 word novel in one month much to my great surprise. It was a wonderful experience.

I have participated in NaNoWriMo since 2004 and I have looked forward to it every year since. I went on to win every year from that first year. I spend hour and hours doing the thing I love in November: writing, because I know to win I have to finish by the deadline. Without them I won't get words on the page and just run in place so to speak. Last year, I reached my highest word count ever: est 100,068 words...in 2011, I'm aiming for a goal of 150,000 words and thanks to NaNoWriMo, I know I can do it!

Rarely have I experienced such joy as my involvement in the last two Nanowrimo writing challenges. The quality of the support (including wit and humor) the dependability of the web site and the connection to other writers is a gift I found no other way. I have piles of half written stories accumulating. This group got me to write TWO complete novels, each in one month. I was excited to write every day and thrilled at the accomplishment. Editing goes on. This changed my life. Not
an exaggeration. Any time I think of Chris Baty and his entourage, I smile and feel gratitude for their time and dedication to encouraging writers.

Nanowrimo was a fun and adventurous experience. I first heard about it through one of my friends, and participated as a newbie in the fall of 2009.

My dream my whole life has been to publish a novel. I have always wanted to call myself an author...a real author, not just a writer who sits around playing with half-finished manuscripts. I have had so many ideas, but I could never get myself to finish the book (well once, but I decided it was dumb...and I've never been able to do it again).

Nanowrimo gave me the extra push I needed. It was stressful, yes. I lost so much sleep, and so many homework assignments, but it was worth every bit. Once you do something insane, you feel like you can do almost anything. I managed to win this past fall. It was exhilerating. Although I did not finish my novel, (it is much longer than 50,000 words) I am getting very close to the end. I never dreamed of getting this far. I have learned so much about writing, discipline, and just having fun through this event and organization. Now, when I am discouraged with writer's block and the like, I go on the forums on the site and find a lot of other writers who are either feeling the same or have already pushed through it.

Overall, I think this organization is essential to aspiring writers. It gives them support from people in a common interest, encouragement when they see themselves succeeding, and a whole lot of extra knowledge and practice on how to write. I am so glad I figured out about it and participated in it these past two years.

As part of a creative writing club that I run, I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time in 2010. My experience was fantastic, and I was very satisfied with all the support and encouragement I received from the organization. I will definitely be participating in the future.

I have particpated in National Novel Writing Month three times, each time attaining the 50000 word goal. Without the encouragement and inspiration provided by this wonderful group of people, I doubt that I would have finished even one novel! I consider these works rough drafts that might someday be polished into something publishable. However, even if no one ever reads them, the experience of artistic creativity and the pure joy of participation have enriched my life greatly. To say that I am grateful to this organization is an understatement!
And three cheers for their Young Writers Program which encourages students to express themselves with the written word--and to have fun doing it.
Art makes the world a better place. And nanowrimo helps people make more art.

I have participated in NaNoWriMo twice, and in Script Frenzy once. I have "won" every time, i.e. I have managed to write two 50, 000-word novels and one 100-page script. Apart from the fact that I would never have managed to do this much writing if I hadn't participated, I also had so much fun that I was really sorry every time NaNo or Screnzy ended.

NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy are a great way of getting around to writing something. There's a lot of encouragement and support (e.g. pep talks, practical advice and writing tips), and the statistics of how much you've written helpo you keep track of what you do. The Home Regions and forums also create a feeling of community and help you get support from other participants. I have even made new friends through NaNoWriMo. NaNo and Screnzy are also international events, so people from all over the world can have fun together through them.

Only a month to the next Script Frenzy now... I can't wait!

I would not have written my first novel without NaNoWriMo--powered by the Office of Letters and Light. Oh, I may have written it in five years, ten years, perhaps 15 years from now, but I certainly would not have cranked out 56k+ words in 30 days and prepared the starts for seven other novels without OLL.

For that, I am eternally grateful. Long live OLL and the illumination it spreads in the world!

NaNoWriMo gave me the motivation and the opportunity to really dig into my creativitiy and create something truly special. I know that, without the program, my story never would have developed the way it did, if at all. I was able to write 50,000 words within the time limit and loved every minute of it. I'll definitely be participating again in November.

I’ve participated in the NaNoWriMo event for the past two years and reached the goal of writing a 50,000 word novel in one month for the first time last year (2010). It was a blast! And I couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement of this organization. More importantly, the event allowed me to reach out and connect with other writers, not only on the WWW but locally, in my community, through the event's technical support, inspiration and guidance. The motivation, skills and connections I gathered from my participation in this event has carried me through the year and made me a better writer. I look forward to taking part in the event again this year (as a local liaison for the adults in my region and working in conjunction with the Young Writers Program), and for many years to come! Thank you, Office of Letters and Light.

In 2010, I wrote a screenplay and a novel. How many 16 year olds can say that? An addition: I finished each within 30 days through NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy. I started out the year that shy girl in English class who knew her grammar and vocabulary and all that jazz, but never actually felt comfortable with what she'd written. I was the kid who'd enjoy writing, but I'd then never revise or edit my unfinished snippets of ideas. I just couldn't see ideas through. I thought that anything less than a J.K. Rowling-worthy epic didn't deserve to be counted as literature. So when these contests came around, they didn't only force me to finish an idea and twist little fragments of thoughts into a sturdy plot. They helped me gain confidence in my writing and took me on two incredible journeys that I'll never forget. I'll never be able to thank the Office of Letters and Light enough for showing me--albeit indirectly--that I can express myself through words. My two certificates are currently hanging proudly in my bedroom, and I can't wait to try for another in April.

PS Not to mention that winning NaNo and Script Frenzy basically make you one of the coolest cats in the world. A novel/script in 30 days? A phenomonal feat, to be sure.

I have been participating in NaNoWriMo for the past two years. I have written a novel both years and I led a class of college student participants, and one year I led a casual group of writers. It is an excellent organization.

I have been a participant in NaNoWriMo since 2005. That year, I was having a lot of trouble writing. I needed to discover the joy of writing again. So I threw off all my usual restraints, and simply wrote...and I completed my novel in one month.

That novel, "Once Upon A Time", has been published as a trilogy called "Magic and Love".

Thanks to NaNo I re-discovered the fun of writing again.

I am an urban charter school Language Arts teacher who participated in NaNoWriMo with my 4 classes of 6th and 7th grade Reading students in November-December 2010. I was amazed by the willingness of my 6th and 7th graders to jump into a full-blown unit on writing creative fiction.

NaNoWriMo truly served my students well because many of them are ESL students who are 2-4 grade levels behind in their reading skills. Writing is an advanced skill that many of them need to constantly practice. NaNoWriMo provides a fun, creative way to practice writing while also giving students pride in their work.

I found that NaNoWriMo was easy to implement and had lasting benefits for my students. I plan on using it year after year as long as I teach.

The Office of Letters and Light promotes literacy through their various free contests. Last year was my first time participating in National Novel Writing Month and I was impressed by how many others were involved as well. It encourages people to write the story they've always wished to tell. This is not only beneficial to those who may not normally write lengthy prose, but also gives people the opportunity to be creative. This makes the experience fun and we all learn a little bit from each other in the process. The organization's goals are something I believe in.

I participated in the Nanowrimo online writing challenge in 2010 and I was so impressed with the website, and motivational encouragment that was given via email and on the site. As a result of my participation, I completed the challenge, for the first time ever I finished writing a book! Kudos to OLL and their writing challenge programs! I'm hooked!

NaNoWriMo gave me two babies. Impressive, right? NaNoWriMo did what my doctor, a board certified OBGYN couldn't do.

My husband and I had been trying for a baby for a while, and the monthly hoping and counting the days and then dread realizations was so much I couldn't really function in my real life. In October I received an email from Chris Baty inviting me to participate in 2010' NaNo, I decided to take all my hoping and counting and shove them into a little drawer, while a few of my characters could distract my with their teenage angst filled drama.

It was the best escape ever. Everyday I wrote. Everyday I escaped my real life and played in a life where I could control every stinking detail. I went into it believing these words would never see the light of day, and no one other than me would ever read them. I only wrote them for me, and I found a freedom in my writing I have never had before. I learned more about writing in that month then I learned during four years at the University, and the seven years of writing workshops, and hundreds of thousands of words carefully laid since.

And amazingly to me, and my Doctor, in the middle of November, that dumb stick finally had the two lines I had been praying for for far to long. We are having a boy this July. I'm trying to convince my husband that Nano is a good name for a boy, but he's not budging.

My second baby was my novel. I'm more proud of that 60,000 words than of anything else I've created (other than my children). Now I'm not going to say it's a work of great literature, or that it's writing will be heralded by history, but that month of pure creativity means the world to me. My book won't change the world, but it changed me.

These people rock, and what they do matters.

I found NaNoWriMo long enough ago I can't even remember where it was from - it was 2006, I was sixteen and planning to become a writer. I'd hardly found enough inspiration and drive to get anything done. I almost succeeded that year, and I felt refreshed and supported by the group.
The following years since, I have run the gauntlet and come out with three viable, completed novels and a lot more confidence and experience than I could've driven myself to alone. This is helping me realize my dream to become a writer someday.
The forum is what I'd almost credit as the most valuable location, as somewhere to find friends, answer the most random and bizarre questions a writer has to know - how well attached are a policeman's buttons? - and just to read, find a good laugh, or a good quote to toss in when you're losing steam.
There's been the ups and the downs - almost every year the Office of Letters and Light has a lovely panic attack as their servers overload or glitch or anything you can expect from computers - but from what I've seen so far, they've handled it admirably and with as much laughter as they can.

Like many others, I had always wanted to write a novel. After several failed attempts, I discovered NaNoWriMo from the Office of Letters and Light. By the end of November 2010, I had a 62,455 word novel. And I wrote it in 30 days.The community was supportive, the advice was great, and the thrill was breathtaking. But that wasn't all.
I was surprised to find that I got to know myself better as I wrote. Not just because my resistance to pressure was tested- although it was- but also because who you are truly does come out in your writing.
I learned that I can drink inordinate amounts of coffee without getting the runs. I learned that my head is harder than the drywall by my desk. I learned that my computer does strange things when I smash my head into the keyboard. But I also owned up to the fact that I really am a hopeless romantic. And that violence in books is awesome, not repulsive. And that writing is something I want to make a real part of my life.
NaNoWriMo was so incredibly rewarding, and the Office of Letters and Light made it happen. Without them, I don't know where I'd be right now.

I participated in Nanowrimo for the first time in 2010 and succeeded in writing a 50,000 word novel in a month. I was dubious about taking on this challenge, but when I went to the OLL website, their attitude made me want to try. They made me laugh, but they also made me think. Even though I am a fairly self-motivated person, I found that the encouragement on the website kept me going (and laughing). I was inspired by all those going through what I was going through. Participating in Nanowrimo made me realize that I was still a fiction writer in spite of not having written fiction for many years. I am currently in the process of revising what I wrote with the hope that I can publish. If I do, OLL and Nanowrimo will get some of the credit!

I have participated in the past two National Novel Writing Months as sponsored by OLL and it was a life changing experience. All my life I dreamed of writing a children's novel but couldn't quite find the impetus to get started. Then a friend told me about NaNoWriMo and I decided the time had come. My first novel has been accepted by an agent and I am currenly in the revision stage but this is much farther than I had ever imagined I would get. I now see myself as a writer and hope to someday see my book in print. And with any luck, it won't be the the last one!

This was my first year doing NaNoWriMo, and it was a blast! Writing 50k words in one month seemed easy at first. Pfft, who couldn't manage to crank out 1,667 words a day? However, I feel behind and only had 18k by Nov 20th, but with some help from my mother and the motivational e-mails, I finished two days ahead of time. The feeling was amazing. I won NanoWriMo. This has definitely boosted my confidence and helped me believe I can acheive anything if I try hard enough. Thanks, Nano =D

Writing a full-blown novel, at first against my will, took me on a beautiful journey that showed me a creative side of myself I had never imagined existed. I'm sure, from the growing popularity of the programs The Office of Letters and Light coordinates, that many people feel the same way. It has and will continue to help people open that dusty closet of creativity and find the beauty within they forgot ever existed.

I have now done NaNoWriMo a number of times and I really support the concept. The first time I could barely get half way but I learned so much from that first effort that in following years I completed the 50K and continued to develop my skills. I really enjoyed the motivational e-mails, the sense of being part of a community and the knowledge that most successful writers shared my lack of confidence, self criticism and struggle with writer's block and were generous in saying so. The pressure to write 50k words in a month meant that I pushed on and achieved much more than i would have done on my own. To reach the goal at the end was great.

Through this program I was able to complete the task of writing the required 50,000 words during the month of November 2010. this was a first-time venture and i applaud the organization and look forward to joining in again in 2011 - and even beginning to write and edit things i have been wanting to do for year.

I've always had a very creative mind, and have loved to write stories but never seem to find the drive to actually do it. So many ideas float around my head, but whenever I decide to sit down and write I almost immediately find an excuse to push it off. Then I found NaNoWriMo. I don't even remember how I found it the first time, but am very happy that I did. Not only do I like to write, but having a goal to work toward is a huge motivator for me. Thanks to this program, which I've successfully completed the last two years, I not only managed to write a couple of novel-length works in approximately one month each, but am now writing on a more regular basis. It really helps me so much to be able to get some of my thoughts on paper. Besides the motivation factor, having other people out there doing the same thing at the same time offers so much support. Not only did I get to talk to so many people from my own area, but the wider forums give you the opportunity to speak to and get advice from people all over the world. What an incredible resource. It seems like fewer and fewer people are reading these days, and creative thinking is becoming a thing of the past. Having something like this program that gets people thinking and writing, even if for just one month a year, is such an incredible step back in the right direction.

I have participated in two NaNoWriMos as well as one ScriptFrenzy (I'm gearing up for the next ScriptFrenzy in April!). As someone who had writing ideas but didn't know how to translate them to paper, NaNoWriMo and ScriptFrenzy have been INCREDIBLY freeing - I have learned several ways to plot out my projects, and I've completed them each time! It's awesome to see finished novels/TV episodes and know that I'm on the road to having enough material to submit somewhere, someday, and I have NaNoWriMo and ScriptFrenzy to thank! I never would have done it without them! They are truly the highlights of my year.

This past year was my 6th year running, and my third year winning. One of the BEST writing initiatives I've been involved with yet. When the folks at NaNoWriMo/ool&l asked for help raising money, they asked kindly and cleanly. There were no hidden things, no absolute demands. You could donate, or you could just roll along with your writing. I seriously love this program and hope my children will be able to participate some day.

In the rest of your life you have deadlines. NANO gives you one for your writing. You spend a wild month writing and thinking as fast as you can so you reach 50,000 words, which is enough for a novella. You will be surprised to find how much you can use later. NANO is awesome.

NanNoWrimo, a novel writing event put together by the Office of Letters and Light, gave the support and encouragement to complete my first novel, a feat which I am not sure I would have been able to accomplish without their support. This organization offers a huge contribution to the literary community, and their longevity is something that we will all benefit from.

NaNoWriMo is a fabulous organization. A friend asked me to join him in writing a novel during last November, so at the last minute I joined. I never could have imagined how difficult of a task it would be to write 50,000 words around work and school, but by the end of the month when I saw my progress bar say “winner” I felt so accomplished.

NaNoWriMo really sets up a great environment for writers. The e-mails of encouragement from published writers and the extensive forums all helped to encourage writing of all forms. I also had the honor of meeting my region’s representative from some write-ins, and I never felt more part of a writing community—a movement. It was hard work writing every day, but it was beyond rewarding to see my word count go up each night. When I reached the end of my Nano adventure and received my winner’s certificate, I was so very proud, but at the same time sad that the crazy late nights of writing had ended.

I know I’ll join NaNoWriMo again this year!

I’m sure there are many of others, winners or not, that benefited from NaNoWriMo, and it is a great platform for any writer of any age. The world really needs to hear from more voices, and I think that NaNoWriMo, the Office of Letters and Light, encourages writers from all around the world to bring their words to life. There can be nothing greater than that.

The Office of Letters and Light serves young people of the San Francisco bay area by implementing writing programs in the public schools, and the worldwide community of grown-up writers as well. Every year, they offer novelists and script writers--from every continent and in a variety of languages--a special kind of support to help them complete a full-length novel (National Novel Writing Month, nanowrimo) or script (Script Frenzy). With the income they garner from the good will donations made by these writers, they offer free writing programs in the public schools all around the San Francisco bay area. Through both of these endeavors the Office of Letters and Light encourages and fosters creativity, writing skills, confidence and a strong sense of community.

The Office of Letters and Light is a place full of completely honest people full of completely brilliant ideas that they'd love to put into action. Not only have they provided literally hundreds of thousands of people - all over the world and of all ages - with the encouragement and platform to write a novel or script in a single month, but they also provide youths with creative projects. I've now won NaNoWriMo three times, and Script Frnezy once and I'm so glad I found the website. Without OLL, I would never had the determination to actually write a novel or experiment with my writing style. I've even met new people through the NaNoWriMo community thanks to local get-togethers. The people at The Office of Letters and Light are like a family, and I just think that's so lovely.

I have won NanoWrimo 4 years running and ScriptFrenzy 2 yrs running. Every time I take the challenge, I feel like I am having a master class in the form. I have learned so much about novel writing, genres and plays ... it's like the difference between seeing plans for a house on paper and then being inside the house constructing it for real. I also learned a lot about myself - the ability to write, stay focused, achieve objectives. Every moment I spend on WriMo or SFrenzy is a joy.

NaNoWriMo was something everyone I knew talked about, in such a pervasive way. Oh, I'm trying this, aren't you? So when I finally decided to take a chance, I couldn't believe it was actually free, easily accessible, and how incredibly liberating it was to set a goal and see it through for something creative. Though the bleak winter months, I battled my seasonal depression in the form of words. Even though I couldn't leave the house much, I knew all around me people were coming together, striving and succeeding thanks to this marvelous opportunity. 2010 was my second year participating and my first year really noticing the effort that went into giving us the experience. I was really impressed.

This wonderful program has helped me produce three novels. Of course, I have yet to publish them and finish one, but that's not the Office of Letters and Lights' fault. This program has shown me that I CAN write a novel and that it can be done relatively easily. When I was ready to pull out my hair, I visited the boards and chatted with other members that have helped me out of that crazy time. I have completed NaNoWriMo in 2008, 2009. and 2010 and I always look forward to working on a new one each November!

The Office of Letters and Light organizes National Novel Writing Month, which in 2008 inspired my daughter and her friend to undertake the writing of a novel in a month. They found tremendous support from the OLL, who provide tools, pep talks, and solidarity. My daughter's completion of her 50k word novel in her junior year of high school gave her a great boost towards her goal of becoming an author. It became the basis of her senior project (and she also wrote another novel in her senior year) and led to her admission to the perfect college for her. I also participated in NaNoWriMo last year and this year, which is launching my writing career and providing a continuing basis for bonding with my daughter. Priceless!

I have participated in NaNoWriMo four times. The first time I couldn't believe I made it to 50,000 words. I have wanted to write a novel since I was young. NaNoWriMo gave me the tools, the framework, the networking and the confidence I needed to complete this big of a writing project. I look forward to the process every year now. I have gone from a wannabe writer to someone actually writing. I am so thankful to The Office of Letters and Light for putting this organization together, believing in the arts, and offering everyone the chance to grow and challenge themselves.

This was my first year participating in NaNoWriMo. I learned about it only three days before it started and didn't have a lot of confidence in myself to be able to write 50,000 words. It turned out it didn't matter. The people at NaNoWriMo gave funny uplifting videos to keep us going. We had local team leaders and meetings to go to for support. We had on line buddies to encourage each other. There were well known authors that were guest speakers. But the faith that the Office of Letters and Light had in us was really all I needed. I ended up writing 100k words of something, though not publishable, has bits and pieces of things I can use.

The resources available, from plot lines, to research, to just a place for newbie questions is unbelievable. No one ever said you can't do it. They always said you can. It was such an incredible experience for me. I set a goal and surpassed. Started a novel and completed it. For someone so new to writing, I got such a sense of satisfaction from this. I would have never started and completed a novel without NaNoWriMo. I wouldn't have believed in myself. But they showed me it's possible. And now, I know it's possible for me to complete a novel, picking out the best parts of what I wrote. I'm already looking forward to this year's NaNoWriMo! They are deserving of your interest.

Heather Rosdol

In 2010, I participated in my first NaNoWriMo. I told no one but my family, and they were moderately supportive. No one in my school knew what I was trying to complete. But, then I did it. On November 29th, I had written 50,000 words. Now, my book is being edited by close friends and family and will be on Amazon. Ever since I was little, I have wanted to be a writer. NaNoWriMo has taken me a hundred steps forward toward that goal. I cannot give enough thanks to them, and they deserve awards, recognition, and funding because they have helped my dreams of finishing a novel be completed. Thank you, NaNoWriMo, for helping me realize my potential and for helping me grow as a writer. I cannot thank you enough.

Writing a complete novel has been a lifelong dream of mine. When I picked up Chris Baty's book and first read about NaNoWriMo, I realized that it would be possible to fulfill that dream. Three years later, I have completed three manuscripts, at least one of whcih I believe will be worthy of publication, with a little spit and shine thrown at it. If it hadn't been for NaNoWriMo, I'm not sure I'd ever have had the confidence to really do it. Not only that, but my son has joined me in the November event the past two years and, becuase of that, we have developed a connection we might have otherwise missed. NaNoWriMo rocks!

In 2010 I took part in NaNoWriMo for the second time and I have to admit, the thrill of writing a 50,000 word novel in mere 30 days was still experienced. The National Novel Writing Month program allows for aspiring authors and people with an interest in creative writing the ability to accomplish writing a novel. Whether it be taken seriously or used as a chance to practice writing technique, NaNoWriMo is a highly enjoyable experience and one that rewards you with pride and great satisfaction throughout reaching the daily targets set in the month.
I found that NaNoWriMo has helped me significantly in writing as I was given a unique opportunity to develop my writing skills and expand my creativity. The community present on its vast message boards are warm, welcoming, friendly and very helpful! By engaging in conversations with many people across the world I was able to gain new perspectives on my work and the writing of others. You don't only have to write prose but instead you can choose to write drama or poetry. The program does not force expectations of your writing but instead you are encouraged to do whatever you want and indulge yourself in literary abandon.
I'm currently hoping to study English at University and I was able to talk about the NaNoWriMo program on my personal statement. It was something that helped make my application appear unique and I was able to talk about how the program developed my skills in time management and encouraged my affection for creative writing.
Overall, I have to say that NaNoWriMo is an amazing program and I am so grateful that I stumbled across it. Where I am from, there are no such things like it and I absolutely cannot wait until I can take part in the new NaNoWriMo program in 2011. I have encouraged all of my friends to take part too!

I learned about NaNoWriMo just a few days before the 2009 session and didn't have a game plan. I failed pretty quickly, but it planted the seed and I thought about how I'd participate in 2010 for the next 11 months. The Office of Letters and Light's superior resources -- the message boards, the videos, the blog -- kept me encouraged and taught me what I'd need to do to win. I did, and now I know that I can do something as daunting as writing a book. I'm not sure it'll ever live anywhere but the hard drive, but I'm thinking about revising it and I'll give NaNoWriMo another shot in 2011. If the Office of Letters and Light can motivate a procrastinating geezer like me, I know it's doing great things for others who will be the future of writing in all forms.

The Office of Letters and Light organizes a yearly "contest" in November; National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo challenges writers and would-be writers to write 50,000 words of cohesive story in one month's time. Everyone who gets to the finish line is a winner, and receives access to certificates, t-shirts and other prizes. But the greatest reward is the feeling of accomplishment, and the knowledge that with work, we can meet our goals.

I took the plunge and participated in the NaNoWriMo competition last year. I succeeded in reaching the winning post and it has kick-started my writing again - I know I really can produce the words, even though I am busy with other things. As an added bonus, I have most of a first draft of a second book to work on. Thank you very much to The Office of Letters and Light for running this. I am very, very glad I took the challenge.

I took part in NaNoWriMo 2010 and found it very enjoyable. It encourages writing and can really help people get 50,000 words done (at least). Plus it has some nice graphs and stuff.

I've been writing seriously for only a couple of years and I had honestly lost all hope of ever completing a novel. However, when I first found the NaNoWriMo website I was inspired to give it a shot, no matter how much the odds seemed to be stacked against me, seeing as I started 10 days late. As I was writing, I realized, when I browsed the board and talked with other wrimos, that the website provided a community that uplifted me and urged me to keep writing even when I felt completely drained. The tips and games and general conversation kept my muse going and kept me up late, just writing and having fun, enjoying the fast paced style that NaNoWriMo requires to succeed.

I have participated in NANOWRIMO for six years, and have finished five novels. It is great fun, and a real challenge. But I am most impressed with their Young Writers' Program, in which school children are challenged, and helped, to write their own novel, using resources provided ny NANO for help. In these days, when schoolchildren are busy with twitters and tweets, learning to construct plots and develop characters over the month of Nano can't help but encourage their love for literature and increase their feelings of accomplishment. A real, but doable challenge. Who knows, participating just might encourage their own reading.

TO be honest NanoWriMo was about one of the best things I did all decade. I've been putting off writing a book for years and I've finally gotten around to it thanks to this great site that really pushed me on. The community is absolutely amazing and helpful; the staff are always there for you too; but in the end, it's a personal enrichment experience. This is truly the best of the internet.

The Office Of Letters and Light's NaNoWriMo program has made a huge impact in my life and in that of my husband. We first participated in 2009, both reaching our 50,000 word goals. We had fun, we finally created books that both of us had been meaning to create for years. This is such an amazing creative outlet for busy people. Most people can spend this ONE month a year furiously working on a project, and have a monumental sense of accomplishment. It gave us the push we needed to sit down and CREATE! Without this program I am sure neither of us would have ever realized our dreams to write the novels we did (never mind doing it AGAIN the next year!) This year we spent a great deal of time at Write-Ins, community gatherings of the participants. This not only allowed us to share our experience with other writers, but helped us stay motivated to keep up with the pack. NaNoWriMo is a wonderful program that I would love to see continued for many years to come.

The National Novel Writing Month campagin from the Office of Letters and Light is a brilliant idea. A focussed month in which people try their hardest to write and help others write, where creativity and suggestions flow freely from one person to the next.
The buzz of the event, meeting daily goals and feeling accomplished in what you managed to do inspires writing and a love of novels or creativity in general.

Many people have dreams, writing a book or crafting a script are among a few, but almost invariably they are set aside for "tomorrow". The office of letters and light is an amazing organization that helps people realize their tomorrows. I began my tomorrow three years ago and I'm still making it my today. I give my full thanks to the office of letters and light and recommend them to anyone and everyone who wants to realize thier writerly tomorrows.

The Office of Letters and Light is a wonderful company. They help operate the organizations, NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy, as well as all of the smaller groups associated. I have participated in both "NaNo" and the ''Screnzy," and I'm happy to say I will continue participating for years to come. On top of that, the Office of Letters and Light sells goods that have to do with either NaNo or Screnzy, and for affordable prices. The items are high-quality. The Office of Letters and Light always has (and always will) far exceed my expectations of what I expect them to bring to the table. :)

I have participated in The Office of Letters and Light's annual National Novel Writing Month for three years now. I find that each experience helped me grow as a writer. I'm currently in the midst of editing my latest NaNoWriMo novel. I would not have gotten this far had it not been for the program.
This is really one of the best creative writing programs out there. It's given me something to work with and improve on.

2010 was the first year I participated in the NaNoWriMo challenge, hosted by OLL. I found the experience very open, genuinely inspiring, and as an organization as a whole, I received more than my fair share of supportive encouragement and advice. They provided a metered system to keep their participants involved and feeling capable of finishing their goals well within the time allotted. I feel the contest was well explained, despite the loose nature of the requirements for completion. However, I feel that there a few details which could have been improved upon in the post-writing process.

When I first heard of Nanowrimo I thought it was for people who had writing gushing out of them at every minute; people who could write a novel in a week with with their hands tied behind their back. I thought writing a novel was a near impossible task. But more importantly I thought writing a novel was something I would probably never accomplish. Nanowrimo taught me differently, it opened up the world of writing to me and shoved me headlong into the toughest, most awesome month of literary abandon I had ever experienced. Novel writing was a distant hope sometime in the hazy future, but Nanowrimo made it a goal that I could accomplish now. They gave me the tools through their forums and support to become a Novelist now. I am proud to call myself a novelist and I owe it to Nanowrimo.

I first found out about NaNoWriMo in the Spring of 2009. I have wanted to be a writer since the first grade, and The Office of Letters and Light (OLL) was showing me a service and a community of fellow writers to help me set and achieve my writing goals. I spent hours perusing the website at first, eagerly looking forward to November. I signed up for the website and the mailing list, so that when it was time for fall, I started receiving emails reminding me that NaNoWriMo was about to start. I participated that year - and won. OLL and NaNo helped me reach my writing goals by sending out pep talks by OLL staff and other prominent authors as part of the NaNo program and providing a moderated forum to help bring like-minded writers together, to encourage and aid each other in our pursuits. I have since participated in Script Frenzy (and won) and a second year of NaNoWriMo (winner again), and I attribute my achievements not only to my own persistence, but also to the efforts of the OLL team who strive to reach members of the NaNo community and help them reach writing goals.

My first year doing NaNoWriMo and I successfully completed a novel!!! The tips and letters from Nano helped so much, I probably would have given up if I didn't read them. It's one of the best experiences I have ever had. This organization has helped me accomplish one of the biggest goals in my life.

I have participated in NaNoWriMo twice, and plan on participating in ScriptFrenzy this April. The experience is incredible. I feel like I have something significant that makes me stand out- how many people can say they've written two novels, much less in 30 days each? I can feel proud of what I've accomplished through this program, and the success of finishing gives me motivation to continue pursuing my hobby. This really is an amazing program.

I've participated in The Office of Letters and Light's annual NaNoWriMo for three years. They are a magnificent organization and do absolutely everything they can to encourage the participants. Fabulous people, fabulous event.

The Office of Letters and Light provides great resources to help promote the arts, especially writing. This year was my first time participating in NaNoWriMo, the month-long novel writing adventure, and I only wish I had done it sooner. I'm interested in finding out how to help their young writer's program in the future. I hope to see OLL and NaNoWriMo stick around — and continue to bloom — for many years. The impact they are making in the lives of writers and the arts is monumental.

The Office of Letters and Light, creators of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) amongst others, deserve all the praise they can get! As someone who has joined many others in their journey to write a 50000 word long novel in a month three times now (and counting), failing only once at winning. Creative writing is something to be supported, and I can tell as a fact that I would've never started to seriously write books without the push that NaNoWriMo gives me every November. The Office of Letters and Light keep up a wonderful community that has inspired, guided and helped me as a writer over the years and brought many writers, both young and old, together from all around the globe, and I can't thank them enough for that!

This November, for the first time, I undertook something exhilirating, terrifying, daring and almost unthinkable. I vowed to write fifty thousand words of an original novel - in thirty days.

Not a huge undertaking, you might think. And lots of people do think that. I thought that, until I tried it. It turns out that fifty thousand words is a lot. Even when you get to make them up.

Fortunately, I wasn't alone in this crazy, challenging quest. Thousands of other writers the world over were doing the same thing in November, and together, we formed a large, open, welcoming community, ready to support and congratulate each other, having important philosophical debates and playing at being wizards, cheering each other up and egging each other on as we all approached the deadline. The forums at NaNoWriMo became my personal haven, as I'm sure they did for many others, and I made two new friends through online NaNo communities, people I might never have talked to otherwise.

Taking part in this month-long novel-writing contest enriched my life, helped me believe that I was capable of whatever I set my mind to, and reignited my love of literature, both of writing and reading. And none of this would have happened if it weren't for Chris Baty and the amazing staff at the Office of Letters and Light.

The OLL promotes literature and imagination, two things which I consider to be absolutely essential. They help to ensure that, in an age of technological marvels, the written word is not forgotten or overlooked. The Office of Letters and Light does nothing less than help people dream big and accomplish those dreams, and they deserve all the help and support that they can get.

For me, writing is not a daunting task, but finishing a novel is. I've participated in NaNoWriMo for three straight years, "winning" two out of three times. Each year, I go in just hoping to finish a story, if not get beyond the word count goal. Each year, I still come out with an unfinished body of work, adrenaline, and all new ideas for the next story. Time and again, I feel that for me, writing isn't about finishing. My stories won't end until all my characters die, I suppose. And I learn things about myself in that month of driven pursuit that I would never have guessed. It's the one month out of the year that I can give wholly over to my passion, allowing the act of writing to consume me. NaNoWriMo allows me to be personal and real with myself in a way that daily writing can't, and I recommend the month to anyone, whether they think they're a writer or not.

This past November I won NaNoWriMo for the first time. My mom and I toyed with the idea of participating for years. We talked about it - just like we talked about writing in general. Lots of talking, not much writing. My mom passed away in February 2009. We were kind of a team so it has been tough without her. But this past November I took the plunge. I stopped talking about writing and I actually wrote 50,000 words in 30 days. And the information on the NaNoWriMo website and the encouraging emails urged me onward. I felt like I was part of something special. And when I hit the "send" button to submit my novel, I had tears in my eyes when I said, "I did it Mom."

After several years of hearing good things about it, I finally participated in NaNoWriMo, hosted by the Office Of Letters and Light. It was a great experience. The organization offered exactly the right amount of encouragement in the form of mass emails full of writing encouragement without crossing the line into a bombardment that would have distracted me from actually writing. I thought the event was well organized and their website was easy (and fun) to use. I plan to participate and donate again. As an experienced writer, I found the challenge and sense of community a very effective combination for motivating me to complete a project in a very timely fashion.

The Office of Letters & Light inspired me - and thousands of others - to dedicate an entire month to completing a novel with National Novel Writing Month. The emails, postings and easily negotiable website offered a constant stream of support, encouragement, tips making it possible for people - like me - who have always dreamed of finishing a novel a true reality. They make writing super-fun, social experience which is not an easy task. What an admirable and lofty goal! Cheers to them for their efforts and passion! Unfortunately, most of their dedicated followers are poor wanna-be writers, like myself, so we can't contribute much financially so they could use all they help they could get!

Without this forum my book would not get finished. In one month I was able to write my novel long enough to find the end of the story. I then spent two months fixing up the plot, and another two months lketting people read and critique it and then off to publishers!

My family appreciates having a mother writing concentrated words for one month, as opposed to a mother whining about not writing enough words for a whole year!

I have signed up my niece in the young writer program too. The endeavor brings us together in a healthy activity across state lines.

I look forward to November each year for the challenge of writing another 50,000 words. I wouldn't do it without this organization, and my life would be considerably poorer. And the benefit? Well, to me personally it's a reaffirmation of my creative skill and also, when the characters start to talk among themselves and create their own story, it tells me that the Muse is alive and well and still with us. This last November my daughter joined me in crossing the finish line, and it was a heartwarming experience to have her join me on this thirty-day journey. In a time when so much of our creative expression is ready made for our consumption, the encouragement I receive from OLL/Nanowrimo to write my story helps me find creative solutions in other areas of my life.

This was the first year I participated in NaNoWriMo and it was a great experience! Even if you don't take advantage of the advice, tips, and other people's experiences - they do a great job! Really worth participating!

Writing a novel is SCARY. For years it had been on my to-do list, then finally two years ago, I came across NaNoWriMo, a program with the clear message that I had to just suck it up and WRITE. Since then I've started two novels and a comic script, and this year I finally won my first NaNoWriMo. It was creatively, emotionally, and physically taxing (especially when you're balancing school and work as well) but I wouldn't trade any of my NaNo-ing Novembers for any other experience. I have met awesome people whom I would never otherwise have met, and uncovered parts of myself and my imagination that I didn't even know existed. It's a truly inspiring program for adults and kids alike, and because of it, I have become a better writer and a better student.

How hard can it be to write a novel? Really, all you do is write every day, right? That's what all the professionals say to do. But until you have someone to motivate you and encourage you and set a limit on how long you have to take and break it all down into manageable chunks, well, that notebook of partially begun novels just gathers dust. Then I discovered NaNoWriMo through my local library. And three of my family members, including myself, decided to accept the challenge. We spent the next month vying for time at our shared computer, cranking out the number of words necessary to reach our goals. The people from NaNoWriMo were fabulous--issuing Word Wars, challenging us in content, prodding us, yes, even threatening us with failure if we once gave in to the habitual nagging voice inside our head that had mastered its craft for the past many years from the first moment when we first thought, "I want to write a novel." With many thanks to the NaNoWriMo crew, I reached my goal (and have exceeded it), as did both my daughters. Yay for NaNoWriMo! I plan to join them again next year!

I have been a part of Nanowrimo and Script Frenzy, two of OLL's events, for the past two years. Thanks to their support, I have written more than 100,000 words of novel that never would have occurred without it, and more than 200 pages of screen play that would be nonexistent without it. OLL have helped inspire a large, and ever growing community. They have changed the way I write, the reasons I write, and needless to say, the amount I write. I am so thankful to have OLL. Their work gets me going!

When I first heard of National Novel Writing Month I saw it as something all but impossible. Here I was a budding novelist and had not even finished my first novel. How on earth did I expect to write a 50,000 word novel in just a mere 30 days?

Now I sit 6 years later an author awaiting the publication of her first novel and another eight more waiting in the wings for their own chance to see daylight. And I owe it, in part, to the wonderful people at the Office of Letters and Light for their dedication and drive that makes National Novel Writing Month the astounding success that it is.

The team is supportive and inspiring to both young and old writers around the globe. They never miss a chance to make a difference in a writers life. And truth be told I wouldn't have made it to that first 50,000 without them.

Every year I come back just to be a part of the magic that is there, even my children now participate yearly in their Young Writers Program. I don't think that November would ever be the same without them.

Admitedly, I don't have a very original story. I had always played with the idea of writing a novel. I love telling stories and I thought it would be cool to be published, but I was never brave enough to take the first step. I kept saying "I'm not a good enough writer to be published" and "I don't have the time to write novels. I'll never be published anyway." NaNoWriMo changed all that. Their month long program was hard, sometimes stressful, and there were times I wanted to give up, but overall it was the most fun I've had in a very long time. I actually had a blast participating, and because of the confidence this program has given me, I'm actively working to publish my first novel. Fingers Crossed!

NaNoWriMo is an excellent way to kick-start a novel. Each November, thousands of writers attempt to write 50,000 words. The staff of the Office of Letters and Light provide inspirational emails and videos almost daily during the month of November. Their website provides plenty of tools to keep track of your writing process.

Attempting to write a novel (or even just 50k of it) in a month is absolutely crazy. It just is. Everyone tells me that. But I just keep on coming back to nanowrimo. It's addictive. It's super duper productive. And (even better) it's gotten me connected with a writing community, like-minded people who share my insanity and are willing to talk about it, cheer me on and commiserate along the way. And the script frenzy site (writing a 100 page play in April) is just as addictive and has managed to remind me just how much I love the theater. (It's also taught me that writing a script is harder than it sounds, but that just means when I eventually do finish the challenge that the success will be that much sweeter.)

This is an amazing program that has taught me more about writing than anything else. There is no words to describ how happy I felt, crossing the 50000 word finish line and I couldn't have done it without OLL!!
They gave me the encouragement i needed to keep going even when things got hard and helped me develop my writing style and learn more about my writing.

I am both a "client served" and a donor of OLL. I donated after participating in a NANOWRIMO contest. I used the message boards for information and inspiration, loved hearing about my friend's kids who were able to right age appropriate creative fiction by using the online guides, and am impressed that they have expanded to help budding screenwriters. The short span, word goal format was difficult, but I met the challenge and won after my third year. I decided to donate because I felt the what I as a client served got out of it was worth a lot more than "free." I plan to donate if I participate again. Hopefully, the support will keep the servers running, and allow the OLL team to keep developing innovative writing contests. It would be great if there was one every month!

I am already planning for my 4th NaNoWriMo this coming November. Having long been a creative writer with novel aspirations, I stumbled upon OLL's wonderful "contest" and fell instantly in love with the idea of a frenzied writing for thirty days straight! Each November is a learning experience and I like to think the OLL staff's inspiration and support as they go through it with us is making me a better writer year after year. I tried Script Frenzy one year and failed miserably. :-) This year, though, prepping for April has brought me to the realization that there is something to be learned from every part of the process and OLL has become a focus for my efforts.

NaNoWriMo, as a program, gives people a reason to take a break from their busy lives, be it third grade soccer practice (as in the Young Writer's Program), 9-to-5 grind at the office, or (as in my case) a hectic University fall, and do something they love. For four years now I have participated in NaNo, and it has never been easy. I've always had to put other things (read that: sleep, relaxation) on hold to get my manuscript done on time. But I know that every year, despite the sleepless nights and general sensation of constantly have a ticking clock over your head, that I will come back each year to participate. NaNo not only provides a reason, that kick in the pants that gets you going, to write a novel, it provides incentive to finish, and gives you a community to support you along the way.

I have become familiar with the Office of Letters and Light through their annual National Novel Writing Month event. As an aspiring author, the community of writers that OLL has gathered through NaNoWriMo has been invaluable to me. Having a community of people to talk to about your work is vital to a writer's process, and OLL has not only provided that for hundreds of thousands of people across the country, but they're also working to make creative writing important to young children and students with their Young Writer's Program. Our society is increasingly placing too little emphasis on the importance of writing well, but OLL is a shining light that helps turn that attitude around.

I've participated in OLL's NaNoWriMo and ScriptFrenzy several times. INaNo takes a daunting challenge, and removes most of the daunt. Normally I write 8000 words in a month. During NaNo I'm 7 times more productive, and much more creative. The pep talks from established writers are an added bonus!

This program has changed my life - it has raised my confidence levels and helped me believe in myself. OLL is one of the greatest organizations ever.

I have "won" NaNo three times, & that's 150,000 words of fiction that
I wouldn't have written otherwise. I'm now doing NaNo with a kids
group and some of the kids who never thought they were writers have
discovered that they are. OLL is an awesome non-profit.

These folks have helped hundreds of people accomplish something in one month that most people don't do in an entire life time - write a novel. I've been writing a long time and I've finished more good stories in the years I've done NaNoWriMo than I have finished without it. The knowledge that I share that month with people across the country is added impetus to the frenzy and joy of making a 50K word goal in one month. It is fantastic!

When I started this I didn't think I could do it, I had never written anything (except for a diary) in my life when I signed up for NaNoWriMo. I thought "I'm going to write a few words, maybe 5000 or something, then I'll quit," but after receiving all the pep-talks and reading from the ones who organized this, I finshed, on time. I've never felt so proud. It was without a doubt also what helped me the most out of my depression I've been struggling with for a few years, when I finished those 50.000 words I experienced an ecstatic feeling I have never experienced before, I found what I liked to do and I learned so much from the experience.

A few chapters into my first novel I became overwhelmed by research and fear. Months passed, I wrote nothing. I'd convinced myself that I had no tools or process to work from. Then a friend mentioned NaNoWriMo. It was early October when I started haunting the boards; by the twelfth I'd signed on ready to join the other brave souls in this fly-by the-seat of your-pants style that was completely foreign to me. By day seven I had 12,473 words, more encouragement, hope, and champions than I could ever have wished for.

I participated in a "Meet and Greet", several "Write-Ins" and raced my fellow Wrimos to finish line. The comradely affection, generosity, and kinship were invaluable in helping me reach my NaNoWriMo goal and that of getting back my confidence.

Finding this breadth of knowledge, humor and intellectual curiosity all in one place was a unexpected gift and became an incredible resource. I hope I'm always in the position to attempt a "Win" of this coveted prize, but in the least pledge to return to give back what I received here--support, well deserved wise-ass remarks, and directions to the nearest Starbucks* (insert favorite coffee/sandwich shop with free-Wifi and handy electric outlets here). Gratefully yours--Lynne

I am a writer who had participated in The Office of Letters and Light's NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy programs for two years. Both programs are immensely inspiring and useful in helping slightly sluggish novelists such as myself see a project through. I am grateful indeed to this organization, without which I would not have two of my novels or my only play.

Writing a novel is hard. Even more so when you don't know where to start. The NaNoWriMo program helps you do it. It doesn't tell you what to do or write. It only provides an environment for you to shine in. One month a year all the people who want to write a book converge on the NaNoWriMo website. Where they will meet people like them, who love books. These people come from all over the world and also from not so far away.

Your Municipal Liaisons arrange write-ins and meetings for you to meet people in your area who are also participants. Throughout the month of November the people will share their experiences, help each other achieve word count goals and most important encourage you to keep on going when you want to give up.

This past fall I was falling apart and needed to do something creative to get out of my funk. I instantly thought back to NaNo and how it would be the thing that could make me or break me. (I loved this past November so much I'm going to relive it starting Tuesday March 1st.) I wrote 2 different stories, almost gave up twice. But my new friends kept me going. We met Friday nights at a library to write our books. I always wrote much more on those nights than on any other. I really couldn't have done it without them. I can't wait to see them again this year.

Having Chris Batty and his people make all of that possible is incredible. We all gain so much through the experience, that we come back year after year.

I participated in and completed NaNoWriMo for the first time this past November, and cannot believe how much it helped me. I have a problem with writing, I cannot seem to actually sit down and do it. The ideas are all there, certain phrases and conversations are completely mapped out. Plot twists are developed. But I don't write it out. NaNoWriMo made me sit down and actually write something up. Now, I already have a million things I'm planning on changing when my life settles down enough so that I can edit it, but it's a start. I never would have gotten even this far without the encouragement and deadline set by NaNoWriMo.

My wife, teenage son, and I all took the NanoWriMo challenge after hearing about it from a relative. I'm not sure that I would have done it on a recommendation alone. But when we got to the website, and had a chance to look around, especially at the Young Writers Program, we were impressed.

I especially appreciated the workbooks on the YWP site and many of the tips and encouraging posts by well-known professionals.

We have also appreciated some of the sponsors. We used the beta version of Scrivener for Windows, which helped us to organize our thoughts and achieve our writing goals. And now we are working toward rewrites that will be worthy of the free copy from CreateSpace.

And, finally, I was very impressed by the follow-up tips. This is definitely not just a one month organization. We are even considering the April Script Frenzy and reading through some of the wonderful information on script writing.

It sounds like such a simple thing. Encouraging people to take one month and write a novel. Or script. I can tell you, though, that this simple idea has tremendous impact. As a repeat participant in NaNoWriMo, I can attest to the power of nourishing the oft-ignored creative spark inside, and letting it grow into a roaring flame. It's a transformational experience, and one that I never would have experiences without the work of the Office of Letters and Light.

I have written 6 novel length manuscripts with NaNoWriMo, all in 5 years of particiaption. Yes, I did write two 50,000 word manuscripts one year.
I have also donated to the Office of Letters and Light in support of the Young Writers program that takes writing and writers into schools.
I see the effects of a lack of funding and support for the arts, and am thrilled to be part of an organization that reaches youth, stimulates an interest in the arts, and provides the support for many of them to live their dreams.
Before NaNoWriMo I only ever dreamed about writing an ovel, and now I have written 6. It is amazing what a little support, motivation and on-line community can do.

As a writer, my method is pretty chaotic. The NaNoWriMo challenge helps me realise I can keep things short and sweet, try to make a neat point in 30 days that will become both a very useful draft for me to work on later on and a way to 'detox' from all the demands and complexities of my regular work. The experience of writing against the clock in order to produce a brand new novel in one month is inspiring - even exhilarating; and the feeling of community surrounding NaNoWriMo never fails to make me feel all warm inside. I look forward to this one month of communal, wanton writing, of writing for the sheer underground pleasure of writing, every year.

Participating in National Novel Writing Month, put on by The Office of Letters and Light, has been an amazing experience. They have helped to motivate me to write, to finish projects that I thought would never be completed. The Office of Letters and Light does wonderful things with young writers as well, and is just overall a wonderful idea carried out with professional ease.

I heard about the Office of Letter of Light through book blogging. Many of the bloggers, including myself are writers yearning to complete their first book. I was intrigued with the thought of being able to write a complete novel within thirty days, not really sure it was possible. I have been trying to complete a book for eight years, but move on each time as it comes to the ending. I chose the challenge, start from scratch and build a novel. I had no idea what I would write when I started and just began to put words to paper. The program offered many different and wonderful forms of encouragement, which I found to be helpful. They also sent out letters of encouragement from current authors. I was amazed as my book began to take shape. Just as I felt as though I ran into a brick wall, I received another bit of sage advice which really helped me to go further. My block had not allowed me to see the obvious fix,(add a new character). It was enought to get me back on track. I have just finished a very hard edit, and have begun to send query letters. I would never have believed that I could actually do this and come up with what I feel is a quality product without the help and advice from this program. I have bragged them up and I carry the completed badge proudly on my blog site. I believe they are a wonderful program for aspiring writers and intend to persue the program whenever it is offered.

I have done the NaNoWriMo twice now, and exceeded the word count needed to get the 'winner' certificate.
Why do I do it? I was doing a Gotham course and one of the other participants told me how doing it had helped her past her fear of the blank page.
So I tried it, but for me that time it was the block of perfectionism. It really helped me, and having the community to go to, the support, the encouragement was great. Especially great was that NO ONE would see what I had written, so I could screw up.
The second time was procrastination! I just couldn't get myself to settle down to writing, and NaNoWriMo helped me out again. It also helped me step back from my last book, so that when I went back to it I could see it with fresh eyes.
I will be doing NaNoWriMo again this year. I will donate, as I did before, because I really feel they are doing a great job.

The National Novel Writing Month, sponsored by The Office of Letters and Light, proved to be a very clever and enjoyable way to make one's self write a "novel." Mine turned out somewhat flawed, I must admit, but the process was really quite motivational and educational. The experience was fun and it was good.

The Office of Letters and Light is incredible. NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy have truly changed my life. What started as a small interest in writing a story has turned into the desire to begin a writing career. They are kind, generous people who do a lot for writers.

Office of Letters and Light has really inspired me to write more often since I participated in their National Novel Writing Month a couple months back. I have had ideas since I was a kid but there was never much of a goal or reason to want to write, something the OOLAL gave me. I am proud to say that I constantly write now with the goal in mind of one day having my books on the shelves of book stores every where.

My english teachers have always told me that the best way to become a better writer is to write. A lot. They also told me that the better you are at writing, than the better you are at reading, though not necessarilly the other way around.

As a college student, I've noticed a correllation between reading, grades and class selections. The more my classmates read, the better their grades and more often than not, they're taking excellerated learning classes, honors class or advanced placement classes.

Better students comes from better readers, which come from better writers.

There are specific details on the Nanowrimo or Script Frenzy sites that could be fixed, such as putting in your own personal writing goal. But these are the little things, and in general, what the Office of Letters and Light povides is a wonderful and awesome opportunity.

NANoWri Mo has been a wonderful blessing for me. I used to write a lot and got lost in my life...I have done NaNO 3 years in a row now, and completed the novel twice. It has been exceptionally motivating and a wonderful experience for me. It is immensley important that we keep the written word alive and I am thankful to Chris Baty & crew for giving me the opportunity to participate.
The Young Writers Program is one of the best things I've seen in forever, with all the kids in this world who can barely do anything but text in some strange language that belies spelling or grammar or intelligible thought.

Kudos to the OLL !!!!!

NaNoWriMo, one of several creative writing programs hosted by the Office of Light and Letters, truly helped me unleash my creativity in a unique way. I rediscovered the sheer joy writing could offer, the freedom and feeling of accomplishment that comes from creating something. The possibilities to connect with the community were exemplary and well-organized. The volunteers were always helpful and inspirational. My first-time participation in NaNoWriMo was so eye-opening and fun that I think everyone should get the chance to experience it. Which is why I think the creative writing programs offered by the OLL to children and teens are so important. The most important thing NaNoWriMo had to offer me was self-confidence. Not because I am convinced my creation ultimately deserves widespread recognition, but because I never thought I could accomplish such an undertaking. If the OLL was able to prove a hardened cynic like me wrong with their endless support, just imagine how many creative young minds they could inspire if their programs were offered everywhere. Part of the charm of NaNoWriMo is that it's open to everyone, regardless of their background, age or gender. It's an invitation to every person, in every corner of the globe, to write down their story, whatever it may be. The OLL insists that despite what our personal demons may occasionally tell us, everyone has a story worth telling. That is an important message to send, especially to kids. The OLL not only sends that message, but even gives us helpful tools and advice to bring that story to life. It's a cause worth supporting, and I will gladly do so again.

The Office of Letters and Light provides an incredible service to all those who read and write and those who wish to do both better. They are selfless in their dedication to helping people become better writers and in sponsoring the yearly NaNoWriMo challenge, they provide writers around the globe an arena to be wild and free in their writing and break through the blocks. It's an incredible experience I feel every writer should try at least once. Every step of the way, The OLL will be over there cheering you on. They're amazing!

NaNoWriMo took the sad, unsure little me and injected that corpse with 100cc of enthusiasm and energy. I wrote more last November as part of NaNoWriMo than I had been able to manage in the last 5 years. I owe them a lot and will continue to use this resource in years to come.

Writing a novel has always been a life-long goal of mine. A goal that I thought was out of my hands. I always thought "Writing a novel takes a long time and is too difficult. I'll never be able to do that." With a few gentle nudges from the Office of Letters and Light, I was able to realize my life-long goal this past November. The Office of Letters and Light sponsors National Novel Writing Month in November and providers constant support for their members through email pep talks and video pep talks on their website. I'm so proud to be able to say that I'm editing my novel... something I never would have been able to say before.

The Office of Letters and Light has given me the confidence and drive to completing a 50,000 word novel (twice!), something I was never completely sure that I would be able to do. But pulling together writers from all over my hometown, the country, and the WORLD to share of experiences, hopes, fears and mental blocks about writing a novel is an amazing project that has helped so many writers. We are a community, we are friends, and we help each other keep moving forward when it seems like we just can't keep forging ahead. And we have the Office of Letters and Light to thank for bringing us together.

For example, the forums are probably the most helpful and important part of the site. It is where WriMos go to offer each other support, feed off of each other's energy, and exchange ideas and constructive criticism. It's also where we go to blow off steam after a particularly difficult night of trying to reach that 1,667 words by playing simple and fun games like "What is your nom de plume?" and "What does your novel taste like?"

The Office of Letters and LIght has also shown us how to create our own covers for our novels, something that had never even occurred to me before starting NaNoWriMo. But with the right guidance and support, I was able to use a photograph that I'd taken and a whimsical font to make a cover that was everything I had never dreamed it would be. Without the help of the Office of Letters and Light, I would not have thought of even attempting to make a cover.

All these experiences and more are what compel me to keep coming back every year to attempt to write a 50,000 word novel. Without the help, ideas and community support, I would not have the courage to sit down once a year and say "I CAN write a novel." So thank you, Office of Letters and LIght.

I have done NaNoWriMo for the last three years and our 16 yr old son has done it for four years. Every year its the same thing, at the beginning there is the feeling that there is no way that I can get 50k words by the end of the month and I fall behind, but just a little bit. Not quite at the point of display, I eventually I get serious and start pounding out some words and build plot outside of my writing sessions. The confidence builds at the beginning of the third week and I get to warp speed and finish well ahead of schedule. It's a sensational feeling when you break the 50k word mark and each year I have been absolutely spent, as if I had just finished a running marathon. Our son doing it every year adds to the enjoyment because it is a tangible example of his ability stick with something, persevere to the end, and write well beyond simple sentences that most of his peers can do.

We look forward to it every year!

Having participated in two National Novel Writing Months, I can say from experience what a WONDERFUL program this is. I always wanted to write a novel, but needed a kick in the pants to get going. NaNoWriMo certainly provided that, along with daily motivation, support, and a wonderful community of like-minded individuals. The sense of pride and accomplishment I felt after completing that novel was unlike anything I've ever felt or experienced. I plan on participating in future NaNoWriMo events, and will encourage others to do so as well.

My students are 100% non-native speakers of English, and I was somewhat hesitant when I introduced this project; I need not have been. They embraced NaNoWriMo, they were challenged by NaNoWriMo, they wrote, they shared, they grew as writers. The students loved the interactive website and the user-friendly workbook. This was such a positive experience for my group that we are going to triple the number of classes involved in the upcoming Script Frenzy. The personnel at The O of LL was responsive and helpful. This was a highlight of our academic year.

NaNoWriMo has changed my life. I was a writer as a child & young person but got lost in being a parent and my writing passion was buried for a time. I discovered NaNoWriMo five years ago, reigniting my love for writing. I've been writing ever since and my renewed creativity has spread into my children. All five write every chance they get. My 17yo has finished many stories and is preparing to submit a few for publication. NaNoWriMo has inspired generations of writers through my children who will pass on their love of writing to their children.

OLL is a fantastic organisation that encourages and nurtures new writers, young and old. I have tried for years to write something meaningful and have never really managed it but OLL's National Novel Writing Month I have written two novels.

The NaNoWriMo challenge is a great incentive for a writer. It gets aspiring writers together for mutual advice and support and has guest writers giving great advice and encouragement. The Young Writer's Programme is an excellent way of supporting those younger writers also.

An outstanding, highly supportive and educational organisation.

The OLL sponsor NaNoWrimo, Script Frenzy, and the Young Writers Program. All of which I believe to be great programs. I have personally participated it NaNoWriMo for two years now and I must say that it has helped me so much in learning to write a novel. It was such a fun and exciting learning experience for me. I believe I have learned more from doing NaNoWriMo that I ever wold have learn simply reading books on writing. They are a great learning program that really push people to stand up and write that novel they have always wanted to.

I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time this past year and recieved immense satisfaction not only as a winner but finally putting one of many ideas into action. Even if the draft is a diamond in the rough and needs much revision and re-drafting, it is still the furthest I've ever taken any of my ideas. Before my participation in NaNoWriMo, if someone asked if I ever wrote a novel, my answer would be no. At least now, even if I do not write another word, I can answer yest to this question thanks to NaNoWriMo. NaNoWriMo gives the structure of a deadline combined with the freedom of mind to express yourself on the page without the limiting inner critic which sometimes stiffles a writer and leaves them staring at a blank page or screen. I plan to particpate in NaNoWriMo in the future. Thank you.

I love reading and have dabbled in creative writing for the past fifteen years, and have often dreamed of writing my own novel. However, I, like so many aspiring writers, could never sit down and finish one. I signed up for NaNoWriMo this past November, and finished my very first novel!! I was thrilled! While I'll admit it wasn't the greatest thing I've ever written, the process showed me I can work past everything that has ever caused me writer's block. Holding myself to the daily/weekly goals and watching the provided word count tool show my progress daily really encouraged me. Also, every time I started to doubt I could finish, The Office of Letters and Light sent out a Pep Talk e-mail. I saved the the ones that helped the most, and am re-reading them when I need a boost of confidence, or even a kick in the pants to finish or continue my current projects. I can't wait for this coming November, and am spreading the word to all my friends who ever imagined they wanted to write a novel.

I honestly believe the monthly challenge of NaNoWriMo is the best thing I've ever experienced. I would have never believed I could accomplish writing a novel in a month.

Each day I stretched to reach the daily word goal provided by their stat chart--a green goal line and my actual line that showed my daily progress. Each day I groaned because no matter how hard I tried to hit the goal, I was always two days behind.Writing historical fiction meant I HAD to research a little before I could write the scene.

I began stretching my writing time to five hours a day and made gradual progress to catch up on the two days lost in research. When I reached my 50,000 goal one day early, I was on cloud nine, but when I entered my work, my word count was still short even though Word showed I had 50,000 words. So, I wrote more...resubmitted...and what a joy to see my stat line finally hit that goal line. Then I got my certificate, and when I played the video, I felt like I really was a winner. It was such a thrill to hear the applause of the NaNoWriMo crew .

I put my certificate on my refrigerator door where I could see it every day. I know I am a winner. I was made to feel like a winner, and I can still remember how I felt listening to the video and the applause. The encouragement of this group was amazing, and the program was set up for success. With a writing challenge like this, how could one lose? It did take a lot of determination to keep plugging on. Sometimes I was very tired from writing, but I would take a break and go back later.

If it hadn't been for the stat chart, I would not have worked as hard as I did. It was a motivater to achieve. Just to see where I was each day was a thrill each time I entered my word count. Without it, I know I would never have finished the challenge. I am always amazed at the technology that serves us today. And I am grateful.

I followed up the challenge with a wonderful program by Martha Alderson on plot revision that I found on the NaNoWriMo list . It is an amazing video and blog presentation that kept me going after the challenge was over. I am now in the process of revising my novel from that excellent material that compliments the NaNoWriMo challenge, and I have entered my first forty-five pages in the OWFI conference held in Oklahoma.

I enjoyed the success of accomplishment when I finished writing those final words, and I shall never forget how the special treatment from the video and certificate made me feel---like a winner!

I think writing is one of the most important things we can learn. It enables us to communicate, create and express our own personal views or imaginations. It is also therapeutic. Participating in NaNoWriMo gave me a sense of value and purpose and when I succeeded in finishing in the allotted time a great sense of accomplishment. It is something I now look forward to participating in each year and hope that my children will someday as well. It also helps provide a sense of community.

The Office of Letters and Light, which sponsors the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) program and website, has done a great job with this program. They have enabled thousands of people, including myself, to write novels that would otherwise have only been ideas. As an aspiring writer, NaNoWriMo supported and enabled me to write four novels, one of which is published. It's a wonderful and inspiring program that makes dreams come true for many, many aspiring writers.

NaNoWriMo is the most motivating, inspiring, and community-enhancing activity I have ever enrolled in. I cannot praise Chris Baty and his staff highly enough. With humor, patience and grace, the NaNoWriMo staff and volunteers get people all over the world to commit to writing nearly 2000 words every day for a month, have fun, and raise money for worthy causes.

I love the office of letters and light and they are an amazing organisation that help and inspire people of all ages to write and be creative. I've taken part in the Nanowrimo since 2005, and will continue to do so in future years it provides a great experience for everyone involved.

I had been having a pretty hard time in life when it was suggested to me that I try participating in OLL's NaNoWriMo project last November. I had always considered myself a writer but did not have a lot of product to show for it. I took the project very seriously and completed a 50,000 word novel in less than 30 days. I finished my novel not necessarily with a great product to show for it, but with the knowledge that I could do what I set my mind to. Creative expression is a powerful part of what makes us human. OLL recognizes this need and brings like-minded people all over the world together to create something beautiful.

I have always wanted to write a novel but over the years countless excuses have popped up and prevented me from completing my dream. This year, I discovered OLL and their project NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The website is designed to aid people of all ages (including elementary kids!) to live their dreams of writing. It inspired me to start AND COMPLETE an entire novel in one month. With the community support in my hometown of other participants who met up for "write-ins" and celebrations of writing milestones I was able to do something I love and support others in their dreams. After NaNo ended, I joined a local writing group comprised of members I met through NaNo to continue my love of writing and work on editing my novel for publication (hopefully within the next year). This is an absolutely amazing group that provides support, inspiration, and expertise in writing and I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate OLL's work!

I heard about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) from teacher friends. I'd always written--in classes, for my students and colleagues, terrific memos daily! The thought of 50,000 words in one month, all about one thing, was daunting. But, just as writer friends said, the thing took on a life of its own: characters stood up and told me what they wanted to do, events transpired effortlessly. It was FUN. One of Office of Letters and Light's best widgets is the daily progress monitor. Sometimes when I was very tired, I wrote a scene or two just to see my little line climb. It made me assiduous about getting my words in, quite a feat while working full time in a busy high school library, caring for two little dogs and my partner, who is in grad school. I'm also a dyed-in-the-wool internet shopper, so being able to pick up a mug and tee shirt made my soul happy. I'm hoping to polish my novel and shop it around--it would be a nice YA addition, I think. And who knows? This may be my retirement career. Could not have done it without OLL! And just by the way, the organization was very responsive about upgrading their server: early on they were overwhelmed, and posting additions took forever (well, relatively!). Within a couple of days they had solved it, and it was smooth sailing from there. They communicated right away about what was going on, which was very good. An additional plus: some students at my school were also writing their novels this month, and it made for additional bonding with them. A good experience all round! I donated extra to their young writers program because kids need all the encouragement they can get.

Having participated in NaNoWriMo for the last two years - and actually "winning" last year! - I cannot express my gratitude for the encouragement and inspiration provided by the program or the serious self-esteem boost that winning created...not to mention I have a novel only a couple months out from publishing! What a fantastic program! Thank you, NaNoWriMo!

The Office of Letters and Light is a WONDERFUL organization. This group is pushing the creative process of writing into areas where people never had the chance to be exposed to it. The organization is responsive, creative, and highly energized. I cannot speak highly enough about their mission, their application of that mission, and my experience with them.

The OLL is a beautiful organization. It most known program, NaNoWriMo, is followed by thousands people around the world. I'm actually French and OLL helped me to start stories, to fight against fear of white page!

NaNoWriMo is an amazing challenge during the month of November that helps writers and those who wish to someday be writers overcome the first step of actually finishing a novel. During one month, novelists from all over the world come together to write 50,000 or more words of a novel. I have done NaNoWriMo for two years, and I will certainly be doing it again, likely as long as I am writing. This experience helped me to become more confident as a writer, and I look forward to it every year.

I love to write. And even that is an understament, however with as bissy as I offen get I never have time. I have been apart of NANOMO for three years. It has help me take my time to write a novle every year sence I joined. I can always find help where and when I need it. The suport I can find both online and in real life is amazing. I live in a place where you never find a lot f these online people who do the same however with NANOMO I found more then 15 write ins near me. To me that was amazing that they could pull so many writters together for one purpose.

thank you NANOMO

I had heard about nanowrimo for several years and had not gotten myself ready to try it until this year. The Office of Letters and Light runs a fantastic site that caters to writers of all ages. I used their site daily during the month of November while I wrote my first novel in a frenzy of typing. Their continual encouragement and feedback gave me extra motivation to be able to finish my book in the time allowed. I was thrilled with the prizes and it lead me to become a donor by the end. I cannot recommend this site more for any fledgling or aspiring writer.

I have participated in NaNoWriMo for four years, and won once, but all four years have been incredible experiences. The triumph of my latest win was enough to steer me towards being involved in other writing groups, and it will probably become part of my career.

The OLL is a huge help in bringing out the potential to do something most of the world will think about doing but never actually do: write a novel in their own words, in a very short amount of time. There is amazing personal growth for everyone who has struggled to accomplish something. And, writing a novel is a unique experience. Everyone has something to say, the OLL brings them the structure to say it.

I had tried to write a novel my whole life without being able to finish a draft when OLL came along with their National Novel Writing Month. Thanks to a crazy deadline, I was able to finish a draft of a novel for the first time in my life and for every year since that first one. It's amazing how they provide this experience free of charge. I have made friends for life through them. They subsist on donations and barely scrape by every year. Yet they persist in offering their events for free and also give back to the community as well. They deserve highest recognition!

I have participated now for two years, and have met the challenge to write a novel of at least 50,000 words both times. In all likelihood, I would never have completed a project of this magnitude without the encouragement and help of NaNoWriMo. The website is a marvel and I have now acquired contacts and friends all over the world, since there are approximately 180,000 people around the English speaking world who participate. They provide forums where writers with a wide range of interests can share those interests. In addition, they make it possible to meet face to face with other local writers. I am a big fan of NaNoWriMo.

The OLL is an amazing organization that encourages people to write. Their Young Writers Program is truly inspiring and I personally have seen the growth of numerous teenagers who have taken the challenge to 'write a novel in a month'. As an adult, I have participated in the National Novel Writing Month twice. It is a remarkable thing to know that you are undertaking such a grand adventure at the same time as thousands of others do the same thing across the globe.

As the project grows (larger already I am sure than the founders could have ever imagined), there are great challenges ahead for OLL. Infrastructure and organization will need to be expanded to deal with an ever evolving population of participants. Funding streams to support the more ambitions strands of the program will need to be identified and established. Effective press and marketing will be needed to fight the backwash of negativity that can come from a lack of understanding. And finally, advance planning needs to be in place for an organization which began based on a singular challenge.

Best of luck Office of Letters and Light!

Until I joined the Group, I had little idea If I had the stamina to keep at one project for a full 30 days. Not only was I encouraged and cajoled to do so, but I felt infinitely good in myself after my first attempt. On my second (annual) participation, I felt I wanted to extol this non-profit Group to the skies. They are genuine, hard-working and caring people who offer their own talents voluntarily and with great success. I shall be doing my third NaNo annual writing challenge again this year. I wish OLL all the best for this award.
Thank you OLL.
http://youngbloodblog.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/abna-minefield-nano-haven/

Multiple times I tried to write a novel. I would start, and never... ever... finish. Then, someone told me about NaNoWriMo and this charismatic guy who ran it named Chris Baty. I was instantly lured in by this impossible premise: write a 50,000 word novel in one month. Insanity! I couldn't sign up fast enough.

That was four years ago. And since then, I've not only completed four novels, I've self published them and sold hundreds of copies. I've now added my voice to the permanence that is being an author. And I've met even more interesting and helpful people guiding me along my way.

NaNoWriMo isn't just a fun little program. It's as important as any health awareness charity, or religious charity, or environmental charity. It's influential, it's educational, and self empowering all at once. That's why I will always, even if I don't participate directly one year, donate at least some of my money to keep this project alive.

I would not have finished writing my novel without NaNoWriMo. I have been participating for over five years, and each year I grow more and more as a writer. This year I finally finished a novel during NaNoWriMo. Thanks to the wonderful community and tools supplied by the Office of Letters and Light, I was able to produce a manuscript a little over 50,000 words. I strongly believe in this nonprofit and cannot express how enthusiastic and grateful I am for their existence.

The Office of Letters and Light has created an artistic community like I have never been part of. I have created some of my favorite characters and stories as a result of National Novel Writing Month and Script Frenzy, and I know I never would have taken my writing seriously without OLL. I find that anyone, including me, who gets something out of their programs wants to give something back, whether it's donating directly to the site, or helping stack chairs after a write-in.

I participated in NaNoWriMo 2010 on a whim. With very little planning and forethought on how tremendous a goal I had taken on, i embarked on a monthlong voyage of discovery that has changed my life forever. Being able to participate with thousands of participants from all over the world kept up my motivation when the going was rough, and gave me insight into the ups and downs of creative writing. It helped me to reach a lifelong dream --to write a novel. How many non-profits can change your life that radically? And for free? I can call myself an author now, thanks to the Office of Letters and Light, and that is no small achievement!

Last year was my first as a participant in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), one of several programs the Office of Letters and Light coordinates. It was a fun experience, allowing writers from all over the globe to connect via forums and regional groups as we all worked toward the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel draft in 30 days. Sounds crazy, I know, but having that kind of interaction motivated me to stick with it and complete my novel.

Thanks to NaNoWriMo and other programs, OLL promotes literacy, reading and creative writing efforts worldwide. I know OLL will put whatever funds they receive to excellent use.

The Office of Letters and Light really got me going with my writing during Nanowrimo. I'd been a weekend novelist for decades, but it wasn't until I Nanoed that I became more than a weekender. Doing 50,000 words in 30 days while working full time isn't easy, but the nano pep talks, website, word counts, forum, communities make it funner! I'll keep going back year after year and am hoping one day to quit my day job and write for a living. This is my dream. Nano's the one that put me in my own kontiki and pushed me out to sea. I'll never forget them!

I teach a writing group of homeschool adolescents who have embraced NaNoWriMo with a passion. These kids have come back repeatedly to write like demons for the month of November, eagerly anticipating the event all summer. NaNoWriMo infuses these students with a desire to write and communicate their thoughts and feelings with the world.

This past year I had students with dyslexia and autism who had previously been anxious and fearful about writing, but produced wonderful work with the help of the event.

The program is a wonderful experiment in peer pressure.

Scott Hermanson
Scottsdale, Arizona

OLL encourages and challenges people of all ages to release their inner writer, supporting the move from wishful thinking to actual creativity. In our society, too many people are spectators or think they shouldn't even try something that sounds as difficult as writing a novel. OLL makes it fun with their yearly NaNoWriMo. I've brought several friends into the challenges every year and we support each other in getting to our 50K word goals. Along the way, I have become more creative, fallen back in love with writing and with reading good fiction, and strengthened friendships across the country.

Through NaNoWriMo that is sponsered by the OLL I was able to do something I've always wanted to do. This organization gave me the inspiration and support I needed to write a novel. It allowed me to meet a whole community of amazing writers and be able to connect with writers in my area. Because of this organization I have become a much better writer, much more confident about me and my writing, and I now have a manuscript that I am going to go try and publish! This program really gave me the jumpstart I needed. All the support and inspiration I got out of this program was priceless, but I got it for free! This program is truly spectacular.

The OLL's Nanowrimo is an incredible experience. I have been participating for the last six years. I have won two of these years. The support that is given is amazing. Plus the overall exhilaration of finishing a 50,000 word story is such a self esteem booster. I will be participating again this year. Please let the OLL win this prize.

NaNoWriMo is the one and only reason I finished my very first 50,000 word novel. The support system was fantastic. The media coverage was perfect. The social network introduced me to people I NEVER would have met otherwise (a prime example is getting a personal e-mail from Lemony Snicket. how cool is that?) Donating is fun and easy with lots of great memorabilia and prizes. Their sponsors are immence. I will be participating next year guarenteed!

Two years in a row I have sponsored a large group of students who participated in NaNoWriMo. What an amazing experience for all of us. I'll never forget the pride on one of my student's faces when she presented me with her first bound book--Love Sucks! By the end of the year that book was tattered from all the love it got from fellow students and teachers alike. My own first NaNoWriMo novel is being released in January 2012 by Kensington Books. NaNoWriMo gives aspiring writers the encouragement and the framework they need to go for it, to challenge themselves to see what they can do. It's exciting when kids stop me in the hallway now to ask if we're doing NaNoWriMo again next year. I always say, of course we are!

I first encountered OLL and their project, NaNoWriMo last October, and I think they're a fantastic group. Not only did I learn a lot about my own writing process, but I felt great knowing that not only was I benefitting from a month of enforced creativity (and a ton of moral support), but so were children in classrooms who were learning the joy of writing as I was through my donations to OLL.

NaNoWriMo is a great organization that encourages everyone to write their own novel. If you have a hard time getting started, it helps to have a deadline and many other people joining you in the journey. The encouragement that I received helped me to finish my novel and encouraged me to become a better writer. It is difficult to write everyday but I could not make excuses since that deadline loomed over me. I enjoyed writing to the finish. I also had my son join me after he went with me to the kick off party. He had a great time and beat my time! We had a mini competition and it worked! Both of us crossed the finish line with at least 50,000 word written.

I have participated in NaNoWriMo through the Office of Letters and Light for several years off-and-on. They do a phenomenal job in the month of November, helping to turn an isolating experience (writing a novel) that a great deal of people want to accomplish into a community-building and encouraging activity. NaNoWriMo has helped me psychologically by giving me one month in November to step away from my mundane life and actually encourage creativity and letting loose with random, crazy ideas.

The Office of Letters and LIght has done something wonderful in brining us National Novel Writing Month. Without it, I don't know if I ever would have finished the first draft of a novel. There is something to be said about having the motivation of knowing that there are thousands of people working alongside you, all heading towards the same goal, that really drives a project like writing a novel. Thanks to NaNoWriMo my confidence in my writing ability has made a huge leap. I am still riding on the momentum I gained during it in my writing, and am eagerly look forward to next year's novel-writing challenge.

NaNoWriMo had to have been the craziest thing I ever did as a writer. It drove me crazy at night, making me want to jump out of bed and have this character say that or look at someone this way. It made me broaden my writing style and work on something to finish it. It got me dedicated to something, and I stuck with it to the end. It taught me how to keep a deadline, how to make a cup of coffee quick, and how to have FUN making up a story. It made me laugh at my imagination and I jumped and cheered with glee a few hours before the deadline, because I had FINISHED something. Something that was all mine and to be proud of. Something that, yeah, needed a lot of work and tuning up, but was substantial. I couldn't stop smiling for days, announcing my achievements. This website does something great for us writers. It gives us a chance to show us what we've got--not just to a word-counter, but to ourselves.

The Office of Letters and Light is an AMAZING non-profit organization serving the creative writing community. Through their various writing programs for children (the Young Writers Program) and their month-long marathons such as National Novel Writing Month and Script Frenzy, the Office of Letters and Light provides a vital service to writers everywhere. If it weren't for National Novel Writing Month, I personally would never have been able to finish my first novel. This is a program worth donating to!

In addition to being a donor, I have been a participant in original program developed by the Office of Letters and Light, National Novel Writing Month. For six years in a row I have been both a participant or a donor—which is astonishing because I am chronically ill and unable to work. I'm on Social Security Disability Income, and during the month of November, I always have some sort of health crisis. But this program and organization have helped me overcome deep depression and the isolation that comes with illness. It has helped me rediscover my own creativity in ways that are both healing and somewhat miraculous. Because of the inspiration and encouragement offered by this organization, I have managed to write over 50,000 words every single year I have participated. And it's not just the home organization that has encouraged this success, but the grassroots community it has created in my life. I have made friends all over the world, as well as in person. Currently, my two best friends are women I met during my first year as a participant. We now see each other once a week to encourage each others' creativity, and also to help each other survive our roller coaster lives that include divorce, illness, and unemployment. Without this organization, I would be in serious trouble with my life and my health. There are times I had been suicidal and frankly might not of survived. But having Nanowrimo to look forward to every year has made the most desperate of times passable. I know it sounds silly, and every year I question whether I not I'll be able to complete Nanowrimo because of my health and disabilities, but every year I meet people online and in person who are struggling with situations even worse than my own, and I feel comforted by those whose creativity in warmth and friendship bursts out of them like a meteor shower they can't control. These people, brought together and into my life by The Office of Letters and Light, have changed my life, and continue to do so every year. I have investigated and even used some of the materials this organization has put together for teachers of high school students who want to write a novel. I have found these writing guides incredibly useful and feel very moved to think of all the young people who are being touched and encouraged to write, to be creative, and are affirmed because of this program. The only constructive feedback I can think of is about the website, which frankly is improved by leaps and bounds every single year. Because of the exponential enrollment of new participants, the current site get's stretched past its limits, and therefore can always use improvement. Other than that, I have nothing but glowing compliments and gratitude for the Office of Letters and Light. They deserve every penny of funding that you can offer them. Thank you

Last November I was inspired to take part in the OLL's NaNoWriMo along with my closest friend, and we both managed to win that year. It has made both of us more confident in our writing ability as well as brought us even closer, my friend has gone on to finish the novel he started during November and hopes to get it published. The workshops that OLL provides to young writers are a fantastic idea and the organization as a whole is brilliant.

I have participated for the last two years in NaNo, and I have learned a lot about my writing. It makes a huge difference to have the motivation of the whole NaNo organisation, cheering you on, and I am so encouraged and impressed by the wonderful pep talks we get from famous authors. I cannot afford to donate to them at the moment, so I especially appreciate the fact that I get all this help and support for free. I have made some real life friends as a result, and I am looking forward to this year's programme.

I first encountered NaNoWriMo and OLL in 2006. I had a novel in my head, but never got down to writing it, until I stumbled across the NaNo challenge to write 50k words in the month November. I succeeded, and have overcome some barriers, including procrastination, thanks to them.
I have since learned that OLL and NaNo do an incredible amount of good work for young people, budding writers, etc.
I have been able to donate (a little) to help keep them going, and I believe that this admirable organisation deserves a great vote of thanks.

NanoWrimo gives me hope and motivation! I cheer on my pals, and they cheer for me. Writing sounds so easy, but getting that first draft down is a total killer. I love Nanowrimo's pep talks, and the ones other authors write. This year for the first time, they had little encouragement videos, and when I "won" and earned the congratulations video, it was a true delight. Nanowrimo is such an integral part of my November, it's a real shock when my family turns up, expecting turkey...

Thanks to The Office of Letters of Light, I did something I've dreamed of doing for years: I wrote a novel. And the next year, I wrote another one. The National Novel Writing Month event gave me the encouragement, support and motivation to complete something incredible. I wrote over fifty five thousand words in one month, something I never thought was possible - and it wouldn't have been, had it not been for the resources the OLL provided. They do incredible work, helping people achieve their goals and providing a good laugh along the way.

So I don't really know what the role thing is... but I was a regular NaNoWriMo participant these past two years and it really helped me to get a first draft written. I've been writing since I was in second grade and it feels so great just knowing that I wrote a first draft of a novel! I couldn't have done it without NaNoWriMo and the Office of letters and Light so THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am really looking forward to this November already! Being fourteen and having school and everything on top and wanting to write a book, NaNoWriMo really pushes you to get to your deadline and I think that it's so great to have the forums where you can get advice and make friends who like to write just as you do yourself. I LOVE NANOWRIMO! I wrote half a script during April's Script Frenzy and it really helped me write my script for my Young Playwrights class at school. I don't know if I will do it again, I still have a lot of editing on my novel from November, but if I can find the time, it's a lot of fun and really gets my creativeness flowing.

This is a fantastic organization; I believe that with every fiber of my body. Truly, a lesser organization could have done the same thing, taking the same initiative for the same idea, and it could have been far, far worse. NaNoWriMo and the Office of Letters and Light are wonderful! :)

This program in incredible. There is no way that I would ever have written a novel on my own without Nanowrimo. I have written four novels! I have meet many interesting people and changed my creative life forever.

I came to NaNo due to a few friends who were participating. I found a large community, who enjoyed writing as much as I do. Thus I met some of my best friends.
One of the best things that they've made is the position of the MLs, the municipal liaisons, who organize meetings during November in the region they're responsible for.
I love the fact that there's a competition for the amount of words written during November, but there are no actual losers or winners. Everyone who gets the 50K is a winner.
The fact that the Office of Letters and Light support bringing writing to the next generation is a wonderful thing. In a day of Internet and games, it brings people back to literature. Thus it helps their creativity develop. Creativity is what brought about the modern technology development. Science Fiction authors had many ideas that we've managed to implement today, like the Internet. As a matter of fact, many of the names we have for things we've developed, come from Science Fiction novels. NaNo Technology and Internet are just a few of the things mentioned in Science Fiction, which have now become reality.
Thus, by supporting writing, the Office of Letters and Light are supporting the creation of ideas and thus, the development of our technology and world on a whole.

I have always loved writing, and this past November decided to take that love one step further by challenging myself to write a novel for National Novel Writing Month. That's when I learned that NaNoWriMo was an actual group, and I learned about its founder and the OLL. At first just using this group as an accountability tool for the month of November, I soon discovered what an amazing community they have created. The friendship between the writers, the hard work of the ML's and OLL staff, all combined for a more engrossing, inspiring, and rewarding experience than I had thought. During the event, I reached out to other participants and held virtual write-ins to help them reach their own goals, as well as donating a small amount (hey, I am a writer, and one who has shallow pockets!). After the event, I made it a point to go through my bookshelves and donate to local school libraries. Next year I hope to do more. The OLL has great aspirations, and their biggest victory to me is the work they do with children to get them reading and writing. Adults come to fulfill their dreams, and stay to help others achieve theirs. I can't wait for the next NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy!

I feel so blessed to have been a part of Nanowrimo 2010... I've always wanted to write, but never had the courage to do so. The way that Nanowrimo is set up not only encourages fledgling writers to take the plunge, but offers sound advice from published authors to help them accomplish their goals. I was able to be a part of many writing communities (based on location) and make "writing buddies" to help inspire and encourage as well. This is a wonderful opportunity for both the novice and experienced writer, and I would love to help them provide this opportunity to even more people!

I have been using the OLL and Nanowrimo for a few years now and its really benefitted me in my writing and meeting new people who are also taking on the challenge is really helpful. Without the OLL I wouldnt write as much as I have or think I could even attempt to write that much. They are a really decent organisation and deserve all the support they can get.

I heard about OLL's NaNoWriMo program through friends who participate and thought I would like it. I'm a self-employed writer with a very busy (read chaotic) life and I haven't been able to do much work on my writing in the last few years. My friends suggested NaNoWriMo as a way to help me get back on track.

I was skeptical about the whole thing, but I found the daily wordcount goals and the community atmopshere of the event very energizing. The pep talks were also good. Every question I had was answered by the staff immediately. Everyone involved in running the event was friendly and supportive.

I completed the goal of 50,000 words by the end of the months, surprising myself not only with the volume of words I'd written but the new story that came from it as well. NaNoWriMo has renewed my dedication to writing, and made it fun again.

Five stars to OLL for putting together an event that brings people together for a fun and thrilling challenge, and keeping it friendly even when hundreds of thousands are participating.

Absolutely love the program. This program helped me write a novel in a way nothing else could. The constant encouragement, active members, and the fun and challenge helped me out so much. Thanks! If I could give 50,000 words of praise, I would.

This wonderful centre enables writing. Simple as that.
Once a year, in November, people all over the world join together, virtually, and each writes his, or her own novel of at least 50,000 words. Encouragement is availble on line or in local groups manned by volunteers.

My daughter had taken part for the last three years, but since I was a full time BA student, I didn't feel I could join in. Once I graduated, I leapt in with both feet and found the experience really energising. I successfully wrote the embryo of a novel, easily passing the 50,000 word target. I shall do it again every year, all being well.

There is also a scriptwriting month for aspiring screen writers and playwrights.

The fantastic thing is that there is no age restriction. Younger children and young adults are also able to participate, libraries give free computer use to facilitate the programme. School take part.

Charitable donations are made, all to promote the use of words - for fun and for purpose.

Where would we be without the capacity to use those vital tools - words? Back in the dark ages.

This organisation really deserves support.

The Office of Letters and Light sponsors NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and ScriptFrenzy, both of which encourage amateur authors and screenwriters to write. They charge nothing for this, but offer tremendous encouragement which makes all the difference. I participated in NaNoWriMo this year, having never written more than a few essays and short stories, but having ideas for longer works for years. One month later, I had 50,000 words (about 100 pages) and a great start on a novel, which I am still working on. I would never have done this without the encouragement provided by OLL.

I've been writing since childhood but only recently managed to finish my first novel. There is no way this would have been accomplished without the help of NaNoWriMo and The Office of Letters and Light. Their help and encouragement is immeasurable. Through NaNoWriMo I was able to hook up with like minded individuals, receive helpful advice encouragement that I've not been able to find in other forums or mediums. I will attempt a second novel in November of 2012 and I will encourage others to follow their writing dream and do the same.

I've enjoyed using this service over the years. It has greatly improved from the somewhat random word-of-mouth process that it was in 2001. There are many online features, and it is easy to interact with other would-be writers. A great training tool, and hands-on learning experience for serious and new writers.
I really don't think there is anything else like it in the world, and participating in the program for many years has vastly improved my writing skills.

Participating in National Novel Writing Month was the most fun I've had in more than 20 years of writing. I've been making a living from either writing or teaching writing for nearly three decades, but being able to wallow in the pure thrill of composing has been truly uplifting for me. As a current instructor of composition to international students, I have been re-energized with the delight of writing that I've sharing with my students for months now. As a freelance writer, working with the OLL has helped me focus more. While I'm not involved in the other aspects of the OLL, I have no doubt it pursues those endeavors with the same sense of fun and committment.

The annual opportunity to join the National Novel Writing Month community of aspiring novelists in November (and also the opportunity to become a playwright in the April "Script Frenzy" program) gave me the boost I needed to turn off my "inner editor" and write with wild abandon. Chris Baty's book, "No Plot? No Problem!" helped me plan my writing month. The writing tips, pep talks, deadline, write-ins, and forums kept me going to reach the 50,000 word goal. It was a wonderful feeling to "win"! I'm encouraging friends and family to try it, especially teachers and other writers. This is a great way for children, teens and adults to experience literature from the "inside."

This is my third year participating in NaNoWriMo. When my friend first introduced me to the website, I thought it was just another way to procrastinate, but as November progressed, it became my greatest motivator to stop playing Minesweeper and start actually writing. It is such a great network of helpful and supportive writers, and I can't imagine November without it.

I've been able to write two novels with the help of OLL. Without them, there's no way I'd be able to do so, but their unique encouragement methods have helped me succeed!

This was the first year I heard of NaNoWriMo. I found a post card at the library stating the contest would start the next day! I had ten years of research on a novel and a hundred attempts at starting it, getting nowhere. So I jumped in with both feet. I did not allow myself to look at my notes, had no idea I could have done an outline until later; and since it was an historical novel struggled every day to keep it as factual as possible. I never thought I would get to 50,000 words but I did! It needs a ton of rewrites, but I now feel I can finish it. I plan to use NaNoWriMo in the future for all those other books that are wandering around in my brain.

The Office of Letters and Light's National Novel Writing Month was an incredible inspiration to me. I've always known I enjoy writing, and I've always known it's something I do at least fairly well, but if not for the unbelievable challenge of writing 50,000 words in November, I don't think I ever would have really found my style, my voice, my techniques, any of that. I wouldn't have found how I enjoy writing, what methods or styles produce my best work. Mostly, I wouldn't have found how much I love to do it. Now, because of this free creative writing experience, I understand my place in the art form of writing, understand the pieces I create and how to create them, and I know now that I want to make some sort of living off of it. The Office of Letters and Light truly gave me my passion.

I have participated in NaNoWriMo for the past 3 years and have 'won' each time. That means I have written a minimum of 150,000 words.
The support and encouragement which I received all the way through the challenge each time, helped me to achieve my goal. In my opinion it is one of the best tools out there for a writer. My first book will be published at the end of this year!

I have participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for the past 7 years, and I have to say it's been THE most life-changing experience ever (except perhaps giving birth to my son). I have learned so much about myself as a writer, have learned my writing style (seat-of-the-pants, *not* outliner), and overall learned about myself, what I can do, things I'm capable of I never knew I had....the list goes on. I would not miss NaNoWriMo for anything! It's such a community for this largely solitary pursuit, so much comraderie and help and encouragement. Absolutely priceless!

The OLL is so fantastic for supporting NaNoWriMo, and it's such a great venue for writers and aspiring writers everywhere. It's like writers holding hands all over the world.

Kudos to NaNoWriMo---may it live forever!

My delight in finding OLL is burgeoning. I have been able to complete two novels with their unique brand of encouragement. The articles and video clips during the annual Nanowrimo event are focused and fun and have moved me to donate annually to their funding drive for third world school libraries. They seem to be folks I would enjoy hanging out with for inspiration--they do not take themselves too seriously, but do take supporting young talent seriously. An organization I endorse without reservation!

I am a writer who wants challenge. NaNoWriMo delivered that challenge. When i first heard of NaNo, i joined immediately. To write a 50,000 worded novel in a month is a great challenge. It test's your abilities as a writer. It test's you socially. It was great to finally talk to someone who can relate to me.

I've been doing NaNoWriMo for two years now, and I'll certainly be doing it again! While I write outside of November, there's something awfully fulfilling about seeing the word count bar slowly increase through the month. Also, it's great to keep in touch with friends and see how their novels are progressing, as well as to read excerpts of them.

As a person who has been writing since childhood, but fallen out of the habit of writing regularly, The Office of Letters and Light's program of National Novel Writing Month was a great motivator for me to work on my regular writing.

I was thrilled to find that I actually got 50,000 words written by the end of the month! (And I started half way through the month!)

The Office of Letters and Light is encouraging creativity and expression in all of us, by being cheerleaders for those of us who write and by encouraging kids to read and to write creatively.

I loved the weekly posts of encouragement and the stories from other writers about their writing process. It helped me realize that yes, this is just how it goes and now I need to sit down and just do it!

And I loved that the "prize" was simply one's own success. After all, isn't that the most important thing to win?

Go Office of Letters and Light!!!! I look forward to April's "Script Frenzy" and to next November, when I'll jump into a new story.

The work this organization does to encourage writers of all levels is remarkable. After hearing about the NaNoWriMo initiative for years, I decided to participate for the first time last year -- what an energizing experience! With this event each November, the Office of Letters and Light provides an opportunity not only for writers to test their individual talents and ambitions, but for writers to come together for support, encouragement and ideas.

As a first-timer I was surprised and delighted me by the opportunities to meet up with other writers in my area, and the wealth of information and comradeship available online in a wide variety of writers' forums. And as a mother of two ambitious young writers, I'm excited to know that the Office of Letters and Light sponsors NaNoWriMo events for kids as well. Next year the three of us may well embark on another November adventure together. I

t's a great program and a unique entry point into the world of fiction writing for many novice writers -- not to mention a revitalizing experience for those of us who've been around the block a few times.

I've considered myself a writer for a long time, but it wasn't until a friend recommended I try Nanowrimo that I became confident that it was something I could do. I ended up winning Nanowrimo in my first year last year, and I plan to do it again this year! Office of Letters and Light not only offers this self contest for people, but they fund many writing programs for children in the US. With more funding they could improve this feat to help children read and write all over the world!

I've participated in NaNoWriMo for the past three years, and I've "won" the challenge each year. It was my lifelong dream to write a novel, and without the inspiration, motivation, and guidance of the OLL, I don't think I would have found the drive to even finish a first draft. Now I have one nearly finished novel, and two healthy first drafts awaiting my attention. Participation in NaNoWriMo was life changing for me and I'll be forever grateful

I first heard about the program through my writers´s community about two years ago. i participated and won both years. The reward, getting a proof copy of your book helped me to see how it could look as a published product instead of just a text on a blinking screen.

I also think the program serves the one who does not have english as their mother language just as well as the one who has. It is easy to understand and I had no difficulity in finding my way on their homepage.

So my conclusion is that the program is inspiring as it helped me accoplish my goal in a short time. I am about to publish my book in my homeland in about moth through selfpuplishing and in my opinion the program helped my a lot on that journey.

Ten years of writer's block broken by one awesome event in Nov 2004. I've participated in 5 nanowrimos since then and have benefited more each time.
OLL has donated profits to Room to Read and helped many, many people achieve something they never thought they could do. Their Young Writers program is top notch - something I very much wish I'd had access to while growing up.
The benefits extend beyond the scope of actual writing as well. The principle of simply buckling down and doing a task applies to every area of life. OLL has shown how to take that principle and run with it.

For years I've been wanting to write a short novel. NaNoWriMo provided that opportunity by giving me a platform to work off of, a deadline and a network of other like minded individuals to help me achieve my goal of 50.000 words in a month. To be honest I never thought I could do it, but once I realized that there were others out there with the same dream and desire, it gave me the motivsation to become a writer. I have participated and finished my goal 3 years in a row now, and I have the OLL to thank for that.

My daughter first introduced me to OLL about four years ago through NaNoWriMo. She and I (and later my son) participate every November. It's a great, healthy, creative, positive way to interact with your kids. We share story ideas and my daughter has even used some of my suggestions as starts for stories - what a compliment! Both of my kids love to write and are talented writers. The programs OLL sponsored encourage them to stick with it and perservere. The encouragement and the light-hearted approach makes me want to come back to NaNoWriMo every year. I've learned I can complete a story and even if none of my stories ever gets published I feel a great sense of pride in my accomplishments and no shame in those years I don't get to 50K words. My daughter has now gone to college but she still participated in NaNoWriMo. The group near her school drew her in and gave her an opportunity to make friends with like interests. Based on our experiences so far we are committed WriMos and would be devastated if OLL stopped sponsoring this excellent program!

I have participated in Office of Letters and Light events (National Novel Writing Month and Script Frenzy) for three years now, and each experience has been empowering. OLL staffers are friendly and helpful, their programs useful to me as a beginning writer. I especially appreciate the wealth of information and support for all levels of writers, as well as the Young Writers Program, which encourages younger novelists and playwrights to excel. The forums and community OLL has developed are rich resources for all. OLL communicates well with its participants and always seems to be looking for ways to improve. I have referred several friends to their events, and would not hesitate to do so again in the future.

This was my 3rd year participating in NaNoWriMo. When I decided to try it, I was very nervous but I hoped it would inspire me to get my stories out of my head and onto paper. It has done just that! While I write all year long, and edit what I have written, I look forward to November every year to start a new project and the huge increase in daily word count. The deadline and sense of community and support during the month of November has allowed me to write over 50k every year, usually ending up with a complete or almost complete novel which I finish and edit the next year. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment and pride. I'm pleased to support NaNo with my participation and donations every year for many to come!

I love NaNoWriMo. Through my participation, I became more disciplined in my daily writing. I learned that I really could tell a coherent story if I just sat down in front of my computer and gave myself permission to write anything.

I'm a writer, or rather, I'm trying to become an established writer. NaNoWriMo, one of the events held by the Office of Letters and Light was a real challenge for me. For me it was a two-fold challenge, not only did I have to write everyday, but I had to average 1766 words a day to end on time. I did it and I got a great story out of it which I'm now revising. I would never have pushed myself and learned what I could really do if it hadn't been for NaNoWriMo. That's it's free is a tremendous gift to people like me who want to better hone their craft, tell a story or simply set a huge personal goal and meet it. It makes you feel good about yourself and what you can accomplish. I think it deserves all the support it can possibly achieve.

I'm an old-timer - I have participated in NaNoWriMo every year since 2003! Every November is a mind-bending thrill ride that sparks creativity, allows me to push through editing barriers, helps support the local cafe industry, and mostly, brings my regional NaNo community together. In 2003, there were just a handful of solo souls in my region ... but now we are a solid community. Maybe we don't see much of each other during the year (although writing groups have been formed because of NaNoWriMo) but every November, we gather together again to party (er, write.) This is in no small part thanks to OLL, which works so diligently to support our municipal liaisons and to grow a community of writers around the world.

I have done NaNoWriMo for two years know. It was a bit of a challenge, but worth it in the end. My sense of accomplishment was great. But the credit goes to God for helping me to write both of my books. I am very thankful for this site. It is a great tool that we have at our disposal to use. The people who run NaNo are caring people and want to see all who sigh up to write a book succeed.

Old dogs can learn new tricks!

I'm a moderately established writer with eight novels published. When I needed to switch genres, I decided to try the NaNoWriMo experience to "break out" of my accustomed field (science fiction). First, my personal experience: It worked. Writing for NaNoWriMo required a different process -- just write it, worry about editing it later -- that yielded a surprising amount of solid material for my first drafts. It was exciting and fun to participate and to prove to myself that I could write in a different genre successfully. I'm sending my NaNo novel to my agent in two weeks. It's good, and I know it (grin).

Next, what the organization provided. The opportunities to participate & succeed included: significant website "cheerleading" material and guidance; a wide range of supportive documentation and technical advice; email communication from local coordinators; and write-ins at venues such as libraries and twenty-four hour restaurants (by permission of course!). The write-ins included the quiet time and periodic motivational events. Honestly, the whole thing was just great fun.

People who participate in NaNoWriMo tap into a vast pool of encouragement, practical advice, and positive energy to invest in their dreams. The mission of NaNoWriMo is a noble one, offering the best encouragement I know of to beginning writers & veterans like me. For everybody who got their 50,000 words there are ten people who took the opportunity to just write, and who discovered "hey, I can do this, I can really do this."

If you believe in helping young creative people take positive steps to become our next generation of story-tellers, NaNoWriMo is a great place to make an investment of time and money.

That's my NaNoWriMo experience! It was fun! And it was valuable! And it was fun! And it isn't just me who thinks so!

I really enjoyed NaNoWriMo! For years I've been wanting to write a short novel. NaNoWriMo puts your creativity on edge, it gives you a deadline and "partners in crime" to help you achieve your goal of 50.000 words in a month. To be honest I never thought I could do it, but once I let go of the desire to edit and be self-critical, the words just came to me.

I think NaNoWriMo is one of those places where authors are challenged and born.

I'd like to give a HUGE thank you to everyone working with OLL. The programme they put on every year, without fail or expectation of reciprocation. Four years ago I signed up for NaNoWriMo. I had no idea what to expect, as my fiction writing had been limited to short stories assigned by teachers. Boy was I in for it! The constant emails, the helpful chatter in their IRC room as well as the small motivational chats everyone posted in the forums really opened my eyes. For the first time I really thought I could do this, I could be an author. This past November, I 'won' NaNo for the first time, breaking 50,000 words in only 30 days. It was worth everything to me, the freedom and knowledge I gained irreplaceable. I hope that when my own children are old enough, I can point at a book that I wrote and tell them thank you from OLL. That is all them, the strength coming from a group seeking a common goal.

Thank you OLL!!!

I never considered myself a writer until I participated in NaNoWriMo and I never went back! Writing has become a huge part of my life and NaNoWriMo was what kick started it all. What a great service to get people writing and thinking creatively!

This year was my second go at writing a 50,000 word novel with the NaNoWriMo program. As a former English major and published author wannabe, I have a lot of experience with writer's block and how tempting it is to give up on a project that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

What I really appreciate about the NaNoWriMo program is that it is such a supportive system for writers of all levels of ability. Having workshops set up in local libraries, setting up write-ins at local coffee shops, and having online forums for easy communication with other authors in the area, as well as weekly letters of encouragement from established authors--all of this contributes to a powerful, supportive, and encouraging atmosphere for blooming writers.

Even if I don't ever publish one of my NaNoWriMo novels, the fact that I devote one month out of the year to a creative endeavor is enough for me to keep coming back. Because the format is one that basically forces me to keep at something that otherwise I might not have the courage to attempt, I end up feeling incredibly accomplished at the end of the month. Sleep deprived, wholly addicted to caffeine, and a little frazzled, yes, but mostly, I feel like I did something worthwhile.

Keep it up, OLL!