National Novel Writing Month is almost upon us!

In one more week, we will be putting our pens to paper – or fingers to the keyboard as it may be – and starting our very first (for most of us) novels!!

This last week, each of the students set a personal word count goal for their stories. As an adult, my word count goal is automatically set at 50,000!  Even though I’ll be cheering the kids on, I know I will need their encouragement as well in order to meet this challenging goal.

But we will not give up!!  Whether it is a 1,000 word graphic novel or a 20,000 word chapter book – we will write and type and brainstorm and character develop and metaphor create until we have dumped out all the insides of our brains into a fantastic masterpiece!  And then we will rule the world!!!!! —– or at least be able to call ourselves “Novel Writers.”  Hey, that’s pretty cool, too!

To kick off the project, we will be having an all day Alpha Write-a-thon on November 3rd in the Multipurpose Room, which will include Brainstorming Brain Breaks, Mini-Writer’s Workshops, and maybe even a visit or message from a real author!

Plus, all of us who finish our books and post them into the official “Word Counter” by midnight on November 30th will get official “Novel Writer” pins AND get a copy of our book published!  I can’t wait!

So — Alpha kids – this would be a great place to give us a sneak peek about your novel topic.  (I’ll give you a hint about mine – it includes a middle school gifted student!)

Parents & Kids – you can also ask any questions you may have about the project and program.  A link to a million answers can be found at ywp.nanowrimo.org, too!