

National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo is fast approaching. In this month-long goal to write 50,000 words, word-crafters across the world unite.
Here at the WCYR we like to celebrate with our own Mini-NaNo.
What’s that, you may ask?
Well, whether your plan is to write the full NaNo or just set your own personal goal for the month, the WCYR is here to support you. Every year, for the past six years, the WCYR has held a Mini-NaNo, where you get to choose your own goal (anywhere from 1,000 words to 50,000+ words) for the month of November.
On our writing support Facebook page, Word by Word, we work toward helping you achieve your personal writing goal by:
- Holding a declaration draw, where you can state your writing goal for the month of November, along with your form/genre(s) of choice, and automatically get entered to win a $5 Amazon gift card to put toward an e-book, or a discounted print book from one of our published members.
- Holding a survival draw, where you state how close you made it to your goal (same prizes as above) at the end of the month.
- Having an opportunity to discuss plot bunnies or characters that don’t listen, or celebrate a great session of writing.
- Sharing fun/funny/encouraging memes, and taking silly polls to bolster your spirit.
- Checking in once a week with a general update on how it’s going.
- Sharing favourite quotes from your work-in-progress (WIP) that can be turned into fun graphics.
- Joining us at our weekly write-ins for face-to-face support and comradery, which will take place Sunday mornings, and Monday and Thursday evenings.
Not sure what to write? Can’t commit to a large goal? We’ve got you covered! Hope to see you there!
Upcoming Activities and Events
The WCYR is soliciting open submissions to our No Ordinary Day not-for-profit anthology. Submission dates are Nov 1 – Dec 3. We are looking for poetry, flash fiction, and short stories on the theme of “From the Ordinary to the Extraordinary.” This not-for-profit anthology will be brought together by a team of WCYR members and volunteers to help our organization get back on its feet after dealing with four waves of COVID. Our coffers are low and in-person meetings are on the distant horizon. If you’d like a chance to be part of this great cause, be sure to check out the information page at https://wcyork.ca/2021-anthology/.
Prepping for NaNoWriMo with MJ Moores – October 7, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
York Writers Conference 2021 – October 22 to 24
15 Key Editing Tricks with Greg Ioannou – November 14, 1:30pm to 4:00pm