World’s largest writing event gains momentum in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON – An international writing challenge is gaining momentum in Saskatchewan.

NaNoWriMo is a non-profit organization that began in 1999. Every November, writers from around the world have just 30 days to write a 50,000 word novel.

Kevin Stanfield, Global Saskatoon’s Weather Specialist, is one of hundreds of writers in Saskatchewan who juggle work and writing.

“You have to pick up your own slack as you go, and therein it becomes a very challenging thing to do,” said Stanfield.

Last year, Stanfield participated in November’s National Novel Writing Month, and now he’s trying it again.

“Last year I went through about 23,000 words. You know, runners run marathons, and NaNoWriMo is in essence a marathon.”

“We host the largest writing event in the history of the world. This year, we have nearly 300,000 people who’ve signed up to write a novel,” said Grant Faulkner, National Novel Writing Month’s executive director.

“Canada has always been one of our most popular hotspots for novel writing,” Faulkner explained.

There are no prizes in the event. Anyone who finishes their novel in the time alloted is considered a winner.

Saskatoon author Wes Funk said juggling a job and a challenge like this one isn’t easy.

“In the end it’s all worth it, it’s amazing to have your writing out there for the world to read,” he said.

Funk said Saskatchewan is the perfect province for up-and-coming authors.

“The Saskatoon writing community is very supportive of each other, and our readers are very supportive of us. Actually, I’m told, Saskatoon is to writers, what Paris is to artists. “

Hundreds of “NaNoWriMo” writers support each other online, helping each other through writer’s block and suggesting writing methods.

Participants have until Nov. 30 just before midnight to finish their novels.