NaNoWriMo will celebrate its tenth anniversary this November. For the uninitiated, "NaNoWriMo" (pronounced NANO-RYE-MO) stands for National Novel Writing Month, an international event in which participants register and try to write an entire 50,000-word novel in 30 days. NaNoWriMo novels are first-draft novels; writers do no editing whatsoever during November. They do, however, have to come up with 1,666 words per day on average to meet the 50,000-word goal.

Writing 50,000 words in one month may sound difficult; Jamie King, the Salem-area municipal liaison, says that's because it is. King, a nine-time participator and two-time winner, says that preparation and support from fellow writers are the keys to success.

To help writers plan their novels, King will offer several workshops at the Salem Public Library, which is donating meeting space free of charge: "Character Assassination" September 13, 5-6:30 p.m.; "Running at the Mouth," September 27, 5 - 6:30 p.m.; and "What is NaNo?" October 25, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Finally, don't miss the NaNoWriMo Kickoff Party, November 1, 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. There will be games and free giveaways.
King's best advice for newcomers is not to be nervous.

"We have an amazing support system," King says.

"We are all introverted, shy writers. It doesn't matter what you write. Just ask for support and suggestions."

Last year, the Salem-area Nanos had 50 participants and 24 winners.

Adult enrichment courses
Writers seeking to enhance their skills can find several non-credit course offerings through various departments at Chemeketa Community College this fall.

"Capturing Personal Stories," offered by instructor Peter Sears, is part of Chemeketa's Lifelong Learning program and is designed for writers 50 and older, but is open to anyone interested in participating. This course introduces a process for writing a personal or family story and covers life prompts, which are the basis for stories. The class meets on October 24 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Eola Campus. The fee is $120. For more information or to register for this class, call (503) 399-5181.

"Poetry: Writing a Keepsake" is a course in which Instructor Nancy Myers will lead participants to learn that poetry can be fun and stress-free. The course fee is $59. The class will meet on Mondays from October 6 through November 3, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Salem Senior Center. To register, call (503) 399-6562. For additional information on Chemeketa Community College credit and non-credit courses, visit www.chemeketa.edu.

Hot off the presses! Local author news
Sara Wiseman has received a book contract with Llewellyn Publishing for a nonfiction book about writing, intuition, and spirituality. The book will be published in Fall 2009. Wiseman, a local writer and workshop leader, has offered local classes such as Writing with the Muse and How to Write a Short Story. This fall, she will expand her scope of workshops to include subject matter covered in her new book, including Developing Your Intuition, Writing for Spiritual Growth, and Channeled Writing. For more information, visit www.sarawiseman.com.

Local poet F.I. Goldhaber will have a collection of poetry published by Uncial Press of Portland. "Pairs of Poems," available September 12, has been praised by well-known area writers. Marlene Howard, co-publisher of Media Weavers Press and co-founder of the Oregon Writers Colony, says, "I love the poet's use of colorful language and the accessibility of the ideas to even a non-poet like me. The poet writes with equal pathos and sly humor about our current political morass and nature."

More information and links to purchase the book are available at www.goldhaber.net.