Some people think anyone can write. That's true. If you like to write, you should become an accountant. But if you like to
write and
write GOOD, hear these words:
Coming up with a story is easy. Can o' beans. Pfft, I can write a NOVEL on all the novel ideas I have, and I bet so can you. Believe me, I thought it'd be a breeze as well. But as I progressed further and further into my story, I began to realize just how often I was hitting road blocks, and just how unprepared I was to take on the challenging aspects of effective story-telling, such as the power of brainstorming and outlining instead of just jumping in.
My school librarian happens to be a literary fanatic, and when I told her about my troubles, he helped to direct me towards this really cool website called
NaNoWriMo, also known as
National Novel Writing Month -- and guess what, folks? It's THIS MONTH!!! At first I thought, "Oh, what the who... just another boring website that tells me to double-check grammar and spelling, right?" Wrong.
How do you make your readers cry?
How do you formally outline and organize a plot?
What kind of research is necessary for your story?
How do you fully develop a character?
This site has EVERYTHING reading and writing you could possibly conjure up, and even if it isn't, you can ask away on the forums.
Registering is free, and I assure you, it'll take LESS THAN A MINUTE OF YOUR LIFE (provided you can think of a username, password, and remember your e-mail in time). There's no pesky e-mail verification. Just fill in 4 text spaces, click two check boxes, then click SUBMIT and you're on your way!!
Professional authors use this site as well, and one of the nifty features you get as a member is this really cool word counter that helps you to keep track of the progress your making in your story. Others can also see how far your getting and can send you helpful tips, advice, and critiques to help you on your way.
I encourage you all to take a look at this spectacular site before it leaves at the end of the month. I have learned so much from here, and hope you do as well!!
Bon appétit!
