NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. Each November, writers all over the globe participate with online communities, in person with local clubs, or just on their own. The goal is to write a fifty thousand-word novel between Nov. 1 and 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30. Most participants focus on completion rather than quality and go back to edit after they have completed a first draft. 
According to nanowrimo.org, NaNoWriMo is “a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing” that is “for anyone who has ever thought fleetingly about writing a novel.” Their website offers tips for writer’s block, local meeting places, and online support.
Students and faculty members at Seton Hill that are participating in NaNoWriMo are meeting and putting their own spin on the project. “It is as much a safe writing space in general as it is for NaNo,” said Associate Professor of English Dr. Nicole Peeler. “For professional writers, the word count is really manageable; it’s a good reminder to write every day,” said Peeler.
Students and faculty present at the Nov. 4 meeting worked on various types of writing projects. They ranged from writing homework assignments, to mystery novels, to superhero themed fiction.
Senior Allie Rackliff is doing a special project for NaNoWriMo using family photos that belonged to a WWII veteran and his wife that she purchased from a garage sale. “I’m using the photos to write a fiction narrative, to tell a story about them,” said Rackliff.
Junior Maggie Hoag finds motivation to keep writing several ways. Hoag said, “My roommate is also participating this year and she bugs me everyday to write. And my characters actually. They kick my butt when I don’t want to write.” “It’s a great experience to push your writing skills, relax, and have fun,” said Hoag.
The SHU NaNoWriMo meetings are held in Reeves from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesdays in November.