BookPage Reviews
Instant inspiration
Chris Baty is the founder of National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo), a six-year-old literary contest that began on a whim in the Bay Area and now involves thousands of participants nationally every year. How does it work? Simpleall one needs do is craft a 50,000-word novel in a month's time. It sounds a little kooky, but in fact there's probably a huge upside to this hardcore, guerrilla-style approach. After all, nothing succeeds like doing, and the fearless NaNoWriMo methodology incorporates an enforced boot-camp mindset that yields results, however imperfect. Baty's No Plot? No Problem! A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days stylishly describes the NaNoWriMo regimenplenty of music and lots of coffee are includedand dispenses handy advice on tapping into instant inspiration, hammering out plot and getting the job done. Or, as one NaNoWriMo winner says, "I don't wait for my muse to wander by; I go out and drag her home by the hair." They say there's a novel in each of us; if so, this volume may be the key to unlocking that ominous door. Baty's surface frivolity is underscored with serious intent, and his book's handy sidebars provide good realistic advice for all writers. Copyright 2005 BookPage Reviews.
Library Journal Reviews
Every November, tens of thousands of people sign up for National Novel Writing Month and attempt to write a 50,000-word novel. Baty, the brains behind this competition, has produced an uproariously funny motivational manifesto so readers can get a leg-up in his race or in the larger publishing game. The key is to lower your expectations "from `best-seller' to `would not make someone vomit,' " says Baty, who maintains that stress and a deadline are important parts of writing. Aimed at the nonserious, with an emphasis on summoning creativity and having a life-changing experience, this original approach will appeal to anyone up for a challenge. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.