NaNoWriMo and Movember Come to You

by Daniella Nicole

November marks the start of the annual NaNoWriMo event. NaNoWriMo is the shorter version name of National Novel Writing Month. Each year, thousands of writers commit to a goal of producing 50,000 words in one month, towards a novel. In 2009, more than 165,000 people participated. NaNoWriMo is not about creating the perfect work – it’s about making the time to work on that book buried inside that is just begging to get out and on to paper.

This challenge can be applied to many other things. One group of writers with AC Yahoo! has committed in their own way to produce that amount of work, but in various forms. With the average article being 500 words, it is a commitment of 100 articles in one month. For some, that is an easy goal, being something they already do. For many, though, it can be a challenge, especially if they want it to all be with one company or client.

Setting goals, pushing yourself and reaching higher isn’t just for writers, though. Anyone can set a goal related to something they have wanted to do but keep putting off and get it done this month.

Been dying to get that garage cleaned out? Need to get your teen’s baby pictures scrapbooked? Want to learn a foreign language or read a classic book? Set yourself a goal and give yourself the month in which to accomplish it. Find stolen moments here and there to work on it. Use free time to work on your goal rather than play on Facebook or Twitter.

November is also the month for another challenge; this one for a very worth cause. Movember is in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness. For this goal, men start with no mustache (if they have one, they have to shave it off) and grow it out for the entire month. This is another goal that can be used – and it’s a great cause.

In the case of NaNoWriMo, not every writer succeeds in meeting the challenge. However, many come back every year to try again, after having amazed themselves with what they could really do once they put their mind to it. Even if you don’t manage to accomplish your goal despite your best efforts, you will be that much closer to having it done.

I’ll be participating in my own way in both. No, I won’t be growing a mustache for Movember (though, as a Greek lady I probably could! LOL), but I will be supporting it in other ways. For NaNoWriMo, I won’t be working on a novel, but I will be working on upping my writing productivity for the month, attempting to get more done with several places. Since 500,000 words is approximately one 175-page book, I hope to get at least that much done in singular works, combined.

What is your personal challenge for November?

Image Credits: 

NanoWriMo Logo. Webbadge for bloggers. http://www.nanowrimo.org/webbadges 

Movember Logo. Movember Foundation. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Movember_Foundation_Logo.JPG

Tis the Season for Giving - the Challenge

Photo by Neal McQ
I was surprised last night by a Secret Santa visit. We had a need of something, and someone found out and left it at our home.

I know of several other people in recent days who have also been shown the same kind of love and charity.

I know it should be a feeling we have all year long, but the best way to start is one step and one day at a time.

So, my challenge to you is to find someone every day you can serve or give to in some way. It doesn't have to cost money or take a lot of time. It can be anything.

A smile at a grouchy store clerk along with a friendly 'Hello' can be all it takes to change their day. Opening the door for someone behind you, or paying for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-thru (I have done that a couple of times and it rocks!)

When you make homemade goodies, share some with neighbors, the elderly, or homebound. Call a friend or loved one you haven't talked to for a while. Send a card anonymously to someone who is grieving or struggling with challenges. Rake someone's leaves or shovel their snow (anonymously).

It can be anything for anyone. Just do SOMETHING.

Then let us know what it has been like for you to undertake the challenge. Please also share any ideas and tips you have for things others can do as part of this challenge.

Good luck and thanks for participating!

If you are too shy to post it here, but would like to share, privately send me your story or tips/ideas and I will post them, minus your name.

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon . . .and Charity?

Most are familiar with the game, "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon".

This game is so famous, that it ended up on the television series, Will & Grace; and VISA made a commercial out of it, featuring none other than Kevin Bacon.
Thank you, youtube user Franksvalli for this video.

There is also this online ORACLE which does the figuring for you as to how many degrees separate any actor you can think of and Kevin Bacon.

Now, Kevin Bacon has used this concept to promote charity. Watch this amazing short video by CNN which explains how it works. A second short video by them highlights one of those involved with Kevin Bacon's charity organization, Robin Maxwell, who has MS. It immediately follows the first video, and will automatically play after the first video.

Visit this amazing site, founded by Kevin Bacon, here at SixDegrees.Org

Like what I wrote and want to buy me a cherry coke?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Let Sponsors Donate For You

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Not only can YOU donate to the cause, but sponsors are lined up to donate FOR YOU. All you have to do is go to THIS website each day and click on the link. 100% of those contributions go to charity.

Want to know more about Breast Cancer? Click HERE

At that link you can find out more about signs and symptoms, myths, and FAQs among other things.

Learn how to do a self-exam HERE or print it up from a PDF format HERE


Like what I wrote and want to buy me a cherry coke?