Aspiring novelists will wrap up their month of intensive writing by celebrating with their fellow Wrimos on Monday, December 1 in Carlson Library.  “Winners” will be those who actually reach the 50,000-word goal by midnight tonight (November 30).  But everyone who signed up this year is welcome to help us join in the celebration!

Here’s how a few participants spent the last Write-In session just before Thanksgiving.

Among other things, Dr. Glenn Sheldon (Honors College) emphasizes the importance of character-building in the novel-writing process.

Former UT provost, William McMillen will be our special guest at this week’s NaNoWriMo Write-In session, Tuesday, November 18.

William McMillen has published both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, he has self-published a series of Christmas books for the past five years that have been privately distributed to friends and family. He has been told that all of his writing is brilliant (but he’s heard that mostly from friends and family). Nevertheless, he promises that if you listen to him closely, you will have your novel published within weeks, a month, or maybe two or three years. He will share with you secrets about writing and publishing your novel that you’ll never hear anywhere else! But you’ll be sworn to secrecy, so you’ll have to show up or you’ll be literally left out in the cold. And, to end an invigorating half-hour talk he will answer the following question that you’ve all wondered about: Why is the beginning of a novel usually better than the end of a novel?

If you can, please stop by and see our special guest, Bill McMillen — whether or not you are a registered “Wrimo” this year!

UPDATE (11/21/14):

Former UT Provost Bill McMillen engaged a small group of interested “wrimos” earlier this week with his tips on writing and publishing. Participants enjoyed learning what was behind his novel, Sticks.

P.S. We had a great time with guest Susan Parks last week.  Please see my special update on that post.

“Wrimos” (AKA budding novelists, as known in the NaNoWriMo world) will get the chance to meet with novelist and UT faculty member Susan Parks this Wednesday evening, November 12, at Carlson Library’s third NaNoWriMo “Come Write-in” session.  Ms. Parks will briefly share her experience writing and self-publishing, and will welcome questions from aspiring novelists in attendance just before they get down to their own writing.

Susan Parks is a lecturer in literacy education at The University of Toledo. Throughout her childhood, she heard stories of her great grandparents in the Armenian Genocide and was inspired to write the book, “His Choice.” Captivated by her heritage, she studied the history of Armenia and the genocide in preparation for writing this historical novel.

Set in 1915 during World War I, the story chronicles the events of four orphaned sisters and their perseverance, determination, and struggle to survive. Through numerous twists and turns, this heart-wrenching story has an unexpected ending.

UT Lecturer Susan Parks shares her novel — along with some artifacts — with Nanowrimo participants last week. Her historical novel is based on the harrowing, true experience of her family during the Armenian genocide, 100 years ago.

Even if you are not a participant in National Novel Writing Month this year, you may be interested to know that Ms. Parks will have a book-signing later this month at Barnes & Noble.  [UPDATE (11/17/14):  book signing to take place at UT Barnes & Noble on corner of Dorr and Secor from 4-6 PM this Thursday, November 20.  We hope to see you there!  Read more.]

The Library will bring in two additional “special guests” to round out the remaining weeks of NaNoWriMo.  If you have a chance, please feel free to stop by and say hello to all of our special guests — even if you are not signed up as a Wrimo this year.