A Glimpse of Starlight

Can you believe that April’s three days away? That is important because April 1st marks the beginning of several important endeavors (including great pranks). I’m specifically thinking of two writing events, and I thought I’d share my plans for them with you guys.

{Camp NaNoWriMo}

For those who don’t know, Camp NaNoWriMo is related to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), except that it’s in April, not November, and instead of having to write 50,000 words of a novel, you can set your own worcount goal on any writing project of your choice. I love it because it can be easier than NaNo, but it still forces me to write and helps me get a lot done. Plus, you get the incredibly encouraging community of fellow writers—and Camp NaNo has the added bonus of cabins, a group of other writers who are your personal companions for the month. If you want to sign up (it’s totally free), check it out here: campnanowrimo.org.

Anyway, I’m doing it! I’m joining a cabin a friend of mine has put together, and the current plan is to attempt 25,000 words of Of Strawberries and Socrates. My username is Ivanna Silmewen, if you’d like to contact me.

So, tell me: Are you planning on doing Camp NaNo? What will you be working on for it? 

{NaPoWriMo}

April is also National Poetry Writing Month, where you are challenged to write a poem a day for the whole month. I love this because, like Camp NaNo, it forces me to write. By the end of the month, you have thirty new poems in your repertoire. This isn’t quite as wide-spread as NaNo, but there is a website for it: napowrimo.net.

Last year, I did both Camp NaNo and NaPo in April, but there’s no way that’s happening this year. I have a lot on my plate, and I can’t add two more commitments, both for my sanity and health. But I don’t want to just not do one of these, because they’re both so helpful and fun. So here’s my plan: Do Camp NaNo in April, since that’s when I can make use of the cabins and winner goodies. Then, in May, I’ll do my own NaPoWriMo. May has one more day than April does, but hey, it can’t hurt to write one more poem, right?

Here’s my question: Does anyone else want to do a belated NaPo with me in May? I’m not sure how often I’ll post my poems—because some of them are just not postable, and I don’t want to spam your inboxes with a daily poem—but I’ll be updating you on my progress throughout the month. I’m completely fine with doing this May NaPo by myself, since I am the one breaking the mold, after all, but I’d love it if you guys wanted to join me. I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling like Camp NaNo and NaPo at the same time is a little too much. Let me know!

How’s your writing life? Are you going to participate in either of these? Let’s talk writing!