For nine years (well, on and off), I have entered the NaNoWriMo writing game. For those who have yet to be initiated into the online writer’s world, that stands for “National Novel Writing Month.” For many years now, NaNoWriMo.org has challenged writers to draft a novel during the month of November. The goal is 50,000 words.

Technically, I’ve won only once. Although that year I did not write the full novel, I did meet the word count. In two other years, I actually did complete the first draft of a novel, but as they were books for mid-grade readers, they didn’t meet the word count, even when done.

Yes, two out of three Junior Handler books were created during NaNo.

Last year, I started writing and lost steam partway through. I’ve missed a couple of years in between, but for the most part, I enjoy dedicating time every day to cranking out a new idea. I’m grateful for the fun, and the encouragement, that NaNo provides.

If you have an idea in mind (or even if you don’t, but would like to), and want some incentive to make that idea a reality, why don’t you give NaNoWriMo a try? If you don’t meet the goal, no one’s going to be the wiser. The only pressure is that which you put on yourself.

For me, it’s fun. I don’t always win the game, but I always enjoy playing.

Will I see you there?