(FORT BEND COUNTY) - In recognition of National Novel-Writing Month in November, Fort Bend County Libraries encourages fledgling writers or anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel to join in this coast-to-coast annual writing challenge.
Established in 1999, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a creative-writing project designed to empower and inspire vibrant creativity among aspiring writers, who are encouraged to write 50,000 words of a novel in the 30 days of November.
Throughout the month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host programs intended to encourage new writers by providing tips and tricks, writing and publishing advice, and support from other aspiring novelists.
The Story Spinners Writing Club, which normally meets once a month at George Memorial Library in Richmond, will meet weekly on Thursdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The topics will be “Beginnings,” “Ambiance,” “Action,” and “Plot Holes.” From beginning blogger to published novelist, writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome to join the Story Spinners Writing Club to write, share, learn, support, network, and critique each other’s work.
Write-ins – informal gatherings where novice writers can network with each other for encouragement and inspiration – are scheduled on Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20, and 27, at two locations: George Memorial Library in Richmond from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and at the Sienna Branch Library from 5 to 8 p.m. Join fellow writers for quiet writing time, word sprints, and feedback.
The “Prose Pros Writing Group” at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library will have a demonstration of the features and tools available in FBCL’s Online Writers’ Corner on Monday, Nov. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Those attending will learn about three unique tools – PressBooks Public, the Indie Author Project, and the BiblioBoard Library – that enable writers, as well as readers, to create, publish, and discover digital content made by and for the local community. New writers are encouraged to attend this open meeting.
Additional demonstrations of FBCL’s Online Writers’ Corner will take place at the Sugar Land Branch Library (Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m.) and at the Mission Bend Branch Library (Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 6:00 p.m.). Seating is limited at these demonstrations, and registration is required at these locations only.
The Missouri City Branch Library will host a “Nothing Too Novel” writing workshop on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. Local author KC Lewis will share the basic steps for getting started, from brainstorming, researching, setting goals, and time management, to editing, revision, and publishing. During the workshop's second half, participants will have a chance to exercise these skills and draft their own stories. A resident of Pearland, Lewis is the author of the sci-fi novel Argentum: Recursion. This workshop is made possible by the Friends of the Missouri City Branch Library.
Aspiring writers are invited to participate in FBCL’s annual Book Festival on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at George Memorial Library. This event will include writers’ workshops for children as well as adults, meet-and-greet opportunities with local authors, and a keynote address by Rubén Degollado, author of The Family Izquierdo. A complete schedule of the day’s programs can be found on the FBCL website.
The Mission Bend Branch Library will host a Writer’s Workshop on Monday, Nov. 27, beginning at 6 p.m. In this introductory workshop, learn how to use words to sketch a story, then fill in colorful details to create a literary masterpiece from one’s imagination. Registration required.
These events are free and open to the public. For more information, or to sign up for the programs requiring registration, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select and the library, and choose the program on the calendar, or call the library system’s Communications Office at 81-633-4734.