NanoWhat?

Are you ready to finish up that project you’ve been putting off? We’re excited to announce the “NANOWHAT” Instagram Live Series, a 6-part talk meant to help activate you to participate in National Novel Writing Month—a time event where writers take on the challenge of writing either a 50,000 word novel or another project of their own (NaNoRebel). The series will explain what the month is all about, how to make the best use of this time and the resources available this month to complete a novel or literary project. We’ll also impart ideas and tips meant to inspire writers to own their voices and complete or kick off their projects. Taught by @yosoy_amanda

Dates: 

October 19 at 7pm: Introduction

During this presentation Alcántara will introduce what NANOWRIMO is and encourage writers to sign up for websites nanowrimo.org and think of an idea for a novel that they want to write or project that they want to complete, and set a goal.

November 2 at 7pm: Let’s write!

This presentation will focus on how to overcome the fear of writing, not letting perfectionism hold you back, and just do it. Participants will be encouraged to share their story idea, find an accountability buddy, and add one another on the website. This session will also include a sprint were writers are encourage to write for 7-10 minutes and join the IG live to share some of what they wrote.

November 9 at 7pm: Maximizing your tools

This presentation will focus on using the tools available on nanowrimo.org to continue writing, as the month progresses, it becomes difficult to continue. Here, Alcántara will read from other writers who have completed novels during this month for encouragement, and keep the momentum for those participating going by having a Q and A where participants can share concerts.

November 16 at 7pm: Loving Your Characters

This session will focus on discussing what creating characters for your novels can look like, some tips from experts on character development, and suggestions for when writers get stuck in terms of character development. We will discuss what it takes to create three-dimensional characters that readers and the writer will love (or hate to love).

November 23 at 7pm: Inspiration To the Finish Line

This session will be all about inspiration: what are things that inspire you to write? How can you use these to help get you to the finish line? Writers joining the live will be encouraged to join in and discuss some of their personal sources of inspiration. Alcántara will also share clear prompts for the last week of writing.

November 30 at 7pm: The Finish Line

This session will focus on catching up with writers, celebrating one another by sharing what everyone’s word count is, and what lessons they learned about themselves during that month. Alcantara will also discuss next steps once your project/novel is complete. What now?

Amanda Alcantara - Amanda Alcántara is a writer and journalist. She is the author of “Chula” (2019). Her work has been featured on the anthology “Latinas: Struggles & Protests in 21st Century USA,” the poetry anthology "LatiNext" and several media publications like NPR's Latino USA, Remezcla, The San Francisco Chronicles, and others. Amanda has a Bachelor's from Rutgers University and a Master's from NYU. A map of the world turned upside down hangs on her wall