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How to Create a NaNoWriMo Lens

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NaNoWriMo is a contest for National Novel Writing Month that takes place each November.  Thousands of writers from all over the world compete to write 50,000 words in thirty days.  If you are participating in NaNoWriMo, get some additional exposure and support by creating a Squidoo lens!

Lenses are simple to create with our pre-formatted modules.  You don't need to know any extra code. They are and always will be free, so you don't need to worry about them expiring, and you can set any commission to make to go to your favorite charity - no work on your part required!

Get started with a simple lens today.  They're addicting, so don't say we didn't warn you.  ;)

New to Squidoo?

If you're new to Squidoo, these links can help you learn how to use it more effectively and answer questions you have about the modules and charities.
Addicted to Squidoo!
It's true, Squidoo is addicting! Here we have lenses that show you how to use Squidoo.
Do Squidoo
A how-to lens that shows you what Squidoo can do and how to create a great lens.
Your First Lens
An awesome screen cast of creating a first lens, complements of Angela.

First, a Shameless Plug

This year I created my lens because I didn't know what I wanted to write about, so I am letting my readers decide.

What will Kimberly Write for NaNoWriMo 2006 has polls on it that allow readers to decide what they want me to write about. I've left my main character's gender and age, their occupation, the setting, the genre, and several other important details up to the readers.

Cast your vote for my novel here.

What Modules Could you Include?

There are dozens of modules available. Here are some ideas for modules that will relate well to your lens. These are just ideas - you can add as many or as few as you want!
  • Write!
    Tell your readers about yourself. How long have you been writing? Do you write professionally or for fun?
  • Link List
    Add links to things you've published, your NaNoWriMo profile, and other related writing sites on the web.
  • Make a List
    Outline the details of your book, or create a character list.
  • QuickPoll
    Survey your readers to find out what they think about plot and character ideas. Create a fun poll that lets them choose.
  • RSS
    If you have a blog about your writing, or want to create one to blog your NaNoWriMo progress, add a simple feed to your lens.
  • Google Maps
    Where do you like to work? The quiet park? The busy coffee shop? Show off your favorite spots to sit and write.
  • Amazon
    What are your favorite technical and inspirational writing books?

Lens Ideas

Here are some lens and group ideas to
National Novel Writing Month Group
A group of lenses all about NaNoWriMo. Join this once you've created your lens!
What will Kimberly Write?
Another shameless plug for my lens. ;) Get some great ideas here.
NaNoWriMo
Lensmaster Jennie Harris explains what NaNoWriMo is and how you can participate.

Are you participating in the goofiness?

The NaNoWriMo forums are full of fun threads that challenge you to add a little craziness to your story. There are ideas for beginning and ending sentences, plot challenges, and quirky character tics and sideplots to add to your novel.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Speaking of craziness...

A cartoon for your amusement.

 

An Example Blog Module

You can use the RSS module to show off your blog. Here's one example of how you can set it to appear.
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A Sample Amazon Module

Here are a few of my favorite books on writing. This is one way you can set your Amazon module to appear.
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Was this lens helpful?

I hope this lens was helpful and gave you some great ideas on creating your own NaNoWriMo lens!

  • sirkeystone Aug 3, 2008 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    I have signed on for my first round this year, with several ideas, but I got so busy with the squidoo thing and promoting our band online that I haven't been to the forums yet. I'm hoping for a good push to get me going on my stalled attempts at these stories in the past!
  • May 17, 2008 @ 10:34 am | delete
    You really gave some useful information on starting a NaNoWriMo lense. I wish I had known about this site when I did the challenge last year. (I won in 2006) I plan on doing the challenge again this year, so I will be using your article to make a lense for it.

    Thank you!

    Angie
  • Barkely Oct 16, 2007 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    Are you participating this year? I have a whole notebook full of notes, and chicken scratches just waiting on me to put together in a novel. I have a plot idea, characters etc. I just need to write the scenes. I think I'll give it a try this year. Maybe I'll create a lens to hold me accountable.
  • CynMobley Aug 15, 2007 @ 10:00 pm | delete
    What a great lens! Thanks.
    CynMobley
  • KCStargazer Jul 28, 2007 @ 11:35 am | delete
    Kimberly- Wonderful idea, lovely format! No big surprise from a top-notch Master Lensmaster. Welcome to the Pimp My Lens: Great Lensmastering Tips and Tricks Group! It's a thrill to have you join us.
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Are you a writer?

Share your writing with the world! Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, professional or personal play, you can create a lens about your work and even earn money for yourself or a favorite charity. Get started today!

Serious resources for serious NaNoWriMoErs

Need help getting back into the writing groove? Here are my current top picks for resources that will get you moving!



What happens when your muse has gone missing in action? Almost every writer goes through a period of writer's block at some point. Frustration can take over, causing you to lose passion for your writing. The pain is real when you stare at the blank screen or page, willing yourself to write. What is at stake for you if you aren't writing?

In as little as one hour, you can be having fun and allowing your muse to play. I would like to introduce you to Holly Lisle's How to Beat Writer's Block (And Have FUN Writing From Now On). With this mp3 audio course, Holly will take you step by step through the process of overcoming your block. In just 30 minutes, the ideas for your new story or solutions to a problem in your current project will pour across the page.

Holly is no stranger to writer's block and would like to share her methods. With her expert guidance, you will not only move past your block but will learn how to prevent the block from happening again. You will also receive commitment training, a walkthrough to get you focused on writing again, dozens of ideas, and five-minute daily coaching. The course includes the forms you will need to keep up with your new ideas as well as a bonus report, 21 Ways To Get Yourself Writing When Your Life Has Just Exploded.

Head over to Holly's shop now and purchase How to Beat Writer's Block for immediate download. You will be writing and having fun again in no time.



by

KimberlyDawnWells

I AM: Kimberly Dawn WellsI used November 2007 to write over 60,000 towards a science fiction book that YOU chose the theme, main character, and conflict... more »

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