Getting Ready for the Young Writers Program Next Month!
October 18, 2012 in NaNoWriMo, Thursday Writing, Tips and Suggestions by Catherine Russell
Welcome, fellow writers, to that most wonderful time of year.
November is Nanowrimo – or National Novel Writing Month, when aspiring authors the world over challenge themselves to write a 50,000 words rough draft novel in 30 days. Young Writers Program, another Nanowrimo program, helps young authors challenge themselves as well – to write a rough draft novel of the length of their choosing.
With both programs just around the proverbial corner, that means October can be used for preparation. Of course it is not required. Both programs are purely voluntary, and authors may write by the seat of their pants come November 1st – but it does not hurt to use this month wisely. Especially when younger writers are concerned.
Young Writers Program offers many incentives to kids writing their stories – from donated prizes like free proof copies of their work, to the simple but powerful lure of bragging rights. Write a novel in a month? How crazy is that! Young novelists have access to forums where they can post by grade level or subject; they can make ‘writing buddies’ to compete against in word wars. They can even download free workbooks, customized by grade level, to get them into the right frame of mind. And just like those famous Ginsu knives… but wait! There is more!
Educators – whether parents or teachers – have access to lesson plans, those same workbooks, rubrics, and assessment suggestions. If adults use the curriculum provided, it meets CORE standards for many states. A virtual classroom is available for educators to post things for their class – from forum posts about writing dares to homework assignments. Confused adults can post in the Teacher’s Lounge for advice on anything they may be unsure of. Young Writers Program will even provide one 2012 Classroom Kit free-of-charge to educators teaching 10 or more students.
But, if you choose to accept the challenge, the day to day responsibility of keeping the kids interested is up to you. I imagine there will be times, like any other school, when class interest will wane. But excitement is infectious, and your enthusiasm should (hopefully) carry you all through to that glorious Finish Line. Just remember the fun, remind them of the prizes, and provide plenty of incentives and positive feedback. It should be a great experience for all.
This year is my fifth Nanowrimo, but my first teaching the lesson plans to a group of children. Wish me luck, and do not forget to try yours. After all, what have you got to lose?
~ Catherine Russell
Contributing Correspondent of Friday Flash Dot Org
Author Catherine Russell shares her life with her high school sweetheart, their son, and two ferocious puppies in the Wilds of Ohio while writing short stories, editing her novel, and learning more about the craft every day.
Her work has been published in Flash Me magazine, Metro Fiction, Beyond Centauri, the 'Best of Friday Flash – Volume One' anthology, and the 'Best of Friday Flash – Volume Two' anthology. More of her writing can be found on her writing blog at ganymeder.com.
Good luck with the young writers, Catherine – what a generous and wonderful thing you are doing! Best of luck with it!
Eegad, I have NOT been using October wisely. I know what I’m writing about but that’s about it. Need to do a little bit of work before Nov. 1 rolls around.
Thank gawd for Nano – last year it was the kick in the pants I desperately needed to write my novel. Looking forward to starting another one this November.
I gather you’re writing Nano AND teaching? You, my dear, are a brave woman!
Well, my idea was to be a Rebel and write an anothology of flash to use throughout the next year, but then I had a better idea to string the stories together. Now, it’s probably going to be more of a full-fledged novel that can be broken into installments throughout the year or something. I don’t know. But I’m excited!
Good luck on your Nano! We should be writing buddies! Just look for ‘ganymeder’ on either site!
Whoo hoo I love NaNo
This will be my 7th year writing and 3rd year as an ML plus I run a young writers program in our NaNo Group. It does get crazy but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
flsandcastle is my NaNo name for buddies
Cool! I sent you a buddy request on the Nano site.
Cool! I sent you a buddy request on the Nano site. My alias is ‘ganymeder.’
[...] November fast approaching the thoughts of many writers turn to NaNoWriMo. In her post this week, FFDO correspondent Catherine Russell introduces us to the associated Young Writers Program. Check [...]