Library Hosts November Activities to Celebrate National Novel Writing Month

The Joliet Junior College Library will once again host activities to celebrate National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which takes place during November. 

Participants in NaNoWriMo are tasked with writing a 50,000-word novel starting on Nov. 1 and finishing by Nov. 30. Those wishing to participate must register and log word counts on NaNoWriMo’s website. 

You do not have to be registered with NaNoWriMo to participate in the JJC Library’s events. 

The Library is hosting the workshop Learn How to Write a Novel in 30 Days on Tuesday, Oct. 23 to help NaNoWriMo participants sign up and participate. They’ll also learn novel-writing tips and techniques. The workshop is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in room A-2003 of the JJC Library at Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road. There will be door prizes and refreshments for all attendees.

Michelle Roubal, a librarian at JJC, helped to organize the November events. She believes that NaNoWriMo fosters growth and builds relationships between participants.

“Encouraging writing, discussion, networking and community building are all part of the equation, but so is fun and dedication. This is not an easy task, and creating bonds and providing support to our writing community are important aspects of our involvement and that of the thousands of participants worldwide,” said Roubal. 

Other events include multiple Come Write In sessions, which provide writers access to a quiet work environment with computers. For those that like to work collaboratively and network with other writers, there will be seating in a gathering area.

Come Write In Sessions

•    Wednesday, Nov. 7: 7-10 p.m. 
•    Wednesday, Nov. 14: 7-10 p.m.
•    Wednesday, Nov. 28: 7-10 p.m. 

There will be free warm beverages, snacks and door prizes at all JJC Come Write In sessions. Attendees are asked to provide their own covered mug or tumbler. 

The Library will also host Homestretch before the Holiday with author Jeffrey P. Fisher on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 7-8 p.m. 
Fisher, a three-time NaNoWriMo winner, will offer advice, answer questions and talk about his experience writing novels. Refreshments and door prizes are available for all attendees.

Fisher is currently studio services manager at Studio 300 at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook. He has written over a dozen published music, audio and video industry books and numerous articles. His recent quick read titled “Building and Operating a Digital Media Lab” was published by the Public Library Association. 

For more information about JJC’s participation in NaNoWriMo, contact the Library by phone at 815-280-2344 or by email at librarian@jjc.edu.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.