Should I Do Camp NaNoWriMo?

**You might be wondering, “Should I do Camp NaNoWriMo?”**

Yes.

See you next week.

Just kidding.

Well, my answer will most likely still be ‘yes’. But let’s take a closer look and figure out if it’s right for you.

What?

According to the Camp NaNoWriMo website:

“Camp NaNoWriMo is your next, great writing adventure! This month-long writing challenge takes place every April and July, and offers you the flexibility to try something new with your writing. The key differences between Camp NaNoWriMo and our November writing challenge are that during Camp, you can set your own word-count goal (you’re not locked into 50,000 words!), and you can officially tackle any kind of writing project, novel or not.”

I’d add that this is a fantastic opportunity to dip a toe into the community of NaNoWriMo without committing to the the massive 50,000 word quota of the full November event.

I have friends who tried NaNoWriMo in November and hated it.

I think Camp NaNoWriMo would be a freer, lighter, more delightful experience for them, since participants can pick ANY project, and set ANY word count goal.

When?

Camp NaNoWriMo events are in July and April of each year. This is actually a sticking point with my longsuffering husband. “Why do they pick the worst, busiest months to do this thing?” he wonders every time I sign up. And if April, July–and November for the big NaNoWriMo event–are your busiest times, then no, it might be an exercise in frustration to sign up.

On the other hand, it depends on the kind of busy you are…

For me, April’s a hard no. When I was working in a school classroom, we were racing to finish the year’s projects and group trips–it was my busiest time. It was the kind of busy that makes a knot in my stomach when I think of it even now. And in my current work, I often have clients who are working on big projects in April. So it’s still a no. I mean, I want to go outside and play in that brief window of spring, too.

July, on the other hand, is busy with some travel and then getting caught up at home. I can totally swing Camp NaNoWriMo because my routines are so disrupted, anyhow, it’s a great opportunity to refocus on writing. I can use my travel inspiration, and distract myself from bummer home chores. Yes!

How?

Go to the website: https://nanowrimo.org/what-is-camp-nanowrimo#whycamp and click “Sign Up” in the top menu. Follow the prompts from there, and you’re ready to roll with your writing project.

I’d also let family and friends know what you’ll be up to for the next few weeks. I used to recommend this just as a way to protect your writing time and to remind your circle that you’ll be a little distracted. But now I want you to tell them because you may find out that you have a few closeted writers or aspiring authors in your posse. Let them know what you’re doing so they can see you taking the steps and feel encouraged to do the same.

Other Fun Details

You can form writing groups of 3-20 people or join an existing group to interact with other like-minded writers who will cheer you on (or keep you accountable).

There are specialized tracks for you to join if you’re focusing on world-building, finishing a novel-in-progress, or editing. It’s like a virtual conference, in that way. You can pick the track that applies to your project.

You can also download graphics for your social media profiles, websites, and more. This year’s collection is earthy and lovely and absolutely evocative of a cozy cluster of cabins in the woods. It’s a nice, free digital swagbag for participants.

Check out the resources tab for even more fun–just don’t spend too long there instead of, you know, actually writing 😉