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Write a Novel in a Month, presented by Orlando NaNoWriMo

Join National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) veterans to discuss plot, character, world building, an overview of NaNoWriMo 2019 and tips for making it through. Registration required.

Join the National Novel Writing Month Municipal Liaisons and other NaNoWriMo veterans to discuss plot, character, world building, an overview of NaNoWriMo 2018 and tips for making it through writing a novel in a month. Instructors will lead six 50-minute workshops on focused topics relating to novel writing and designed to help you draft 50,000 words during November. This workshop event will end with opportunities for small group feedback on your novel idea, so come ready with ideas.

Registration required.

1:00-1:50

Basic Plot Structures with Jennie Jarvis
Using a tried and true plot structure can ease the writing process by doing some of the heavy lifting for you. Learn about basic plots and how you can hang your own plot on one of these basic structures to make drafting your 2019 NaNoWriMo novel a breeze.

Finishing Your First Draft with Elle E. Ire & José Pablo Iriarte
Getting through a first draft is a challenge, no matter how experienced you are. Learn how to keep your motivation engaged, deal with mid-stream inspiration, and ignore but acknowledge your best idea for revising what you’ve already written. These expert strategies will help keep you focused through NaNoWriMo and your whole first draft.

NaNo 101 with Brad Shreffler, Alli Martin & Nicole Dennis
What is NaNoWriMo? 50,000 words, really?! What resources/events are available? How do you say “NaNoWriMo,” anyway? These questions and more will be answered in this session that provides an overview of NaNoWriMo, the NaNoWriMo website, and participating in the Orlando region.

2:00-2:50

Developing Your Main Character with Jenny Broom
Main characters drive the action of the story through their wants and motivations. Learn how to strengthen your main character or figure out who your main character really is. If you’re working with an ensemble, find out whose stories are driving the narrative and who is there for support. Come prepared to share your main character or create one during the workshop.

Creating Conflict with Ella Martin
One of the best ways to keep your story moving through the month of November is by creating conflict. Learn how to create conflict when your story is feeling weak or too easy for the characters, how to chase that conflict and keep it interesting for you to write it, and how to resolve the conflict you’ve created.

Rebel: Not Writing a Novel with Catherine Carson (nonfiction), Alli Martin (revising a novel), Arielle Haughee (picture books), Racquel Henry (short stories/novellas)
Not writing a novel for NaNoWriMo? Join the rebels and talk about the challenges you'll face during the month and how to reinterpret NaNo-support to help you reach your goals.

3:00-3:50

Worldbuilding Checklist with Arielle Haughee
Developing your world is one of the keys to understanding your characters and the conflicts they’ll face. Find out what details are essential to consider before you start writing, and learn tips for not getting bogged down while playing god.

Character Arcs with Racquel Henry
Over the course of any novel, the characters are going to change and grow. Learn how to plan your character's growth along side your plot to create an engaging and satisfying arc that will keep you writing throughout November.

NaNo Research with L.E. Perez
Whether you’re researching historical time periods, advanced technologies, or ancient mythologies, a few skills can help you go from sorting through fruitless webpages to finding the exact information you’re looking for. Our panel of research experts will explain their research methods, favorite sources, and provide some tips to help you expedite your NaNoWriMo research.

4:00-5:25

One-on-Ones

By appointment only. Appointments can be made during the event

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