National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing! Participants begin writing on November 1st. The goal is to write a 50,000 word, (approximately 175 page) novel by 11:59:59, November 30th.
Get a head start at Yuma County Libraries! Aspiring authors are invited to attend weekly writing workshops at the Main and Foothills libraries throughout the month of October. Workshops will be taught by local writers Chris Howard and Melissa Stevens.
Writer’s Toolbox
Start with the most basic tools writers use—words! Learn about various word processing computer programs, and read some inspirational pieces on writing from published authors.
Foothills Library ● Thursday, October 1st ● 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Main Library ● Saturday, October 3rd ● 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Creating Cool Characters
Learn how to craft exciting, well-developed characters, analyze some famous characters to determine what make them interesting, and discuss character names and archetypes.
Foothills Library ● Thursday, October 8th ● 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Main Library ● Saturday, October 10th ● 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Perfecting Plot
Learn about the seven basic types of plots, ways to chart plots, and where to find and create new plots.
Foothills Library ● Thursday, October 15th ● 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Main Library ● Saturday, October 17th ● 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Weird World of Worldbuilding
Review some of literature’s most famous worlds to discover what makes a setting authentic.
Foothills Library ● Thursday, October 22nd ● 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Main Library ● Saturday, October 24th ● 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christine Howard, a retired RN, is the author of two books of creative non-fiction, a work of fiction and a volume of poetry. She is the founder and moderator of the writing group Write On The Edge. Born in Minnesota she has lived in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico and moved to Yuma nine years ago with her husband Gary to be closer to her daughter.
Melissa Stevens, romance and paranormal romance author, is an Arizona native and has lived in Yuma for the last seven years. She spends her days caring for her husband and four children, writing in her every spare moment.
The Main Library is located at 2951 S 21st Drive. The Foothills Library is located at 13226 E South Frontage Road.
For more information, call (928) 782-1871.