Image courtesy of National Novel Writing Month

AVON PARK, Fla.–Oct. 20, 2015–For those who’ve been yearning to write the Great American Novel, now there is no excuse to put it off for another year.

The South Florida State College library invites folks to unleash the Hemmingway within by joining writers here and across the country to participate in NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, by writing a 50,000-word novel during November.

The library on SFSC’s Highlands Campus will host a series of Come Write In events in conjunction with NaNoWriMo.

“National Novel Writing Month is a wonderful opportunity for people to dive into their imaginations and do one of the most crucial things in life: create,” said Grant Faulkner, executive director of NaNoWriMo.

SFSC’s library kicks off the novel writing sprint on Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon — 3 p.m., with writing-themed activities, including word challenges, a plot bunny auction, and more.

Last year, more than 325,000 writers accepted the challenge to produce a 50,000-word piece of fiction. In the end, nearly 60,000 writers met their goal.

An initiative among NaNoWriMo, libraries, and bookstores, Come Write In events across the nation will offer writing space, community, and opportunities for writers to meet up with each other.

SFSC’s Library will offer open writing hours during normal library hours, Monday through Friday.

Would-be novelists can sign up at nanowrimo.org to access participant forums, seek advice, connect with mentors, and find local Come Write In events.

SFSC welcomes participants to celebrate the end of the month-long writing binge with its TGIO (Thank God it’s Over) party, on Wednesday, Dec. 2, noon to 3 p.m., in the library on the Highlands Campus.

Now in its 16th year, organizers expects to see nearly 1,000 libraries sponsor local events for writers.

The SFSC library on the Highlands Campus, at 600 W. College Dr, Avon Park, is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. — 9 p.m. The library is open on Fridays, 7:30 a.m— 5 p.m.

“Everyone has a story that needs to come to life,” Faulkner said. “NaNoWriMo helps people find their voice in the act of writing.”

For more information, contact Claire Miller at Claire.Miller@southflorida.edu.