Letter From the Editor - Time to Get Writing!

It's hard to believe October is over already, but November has crept in, possibly hidden among the costumed minions who filled the streets just days ago.  With it, November brings election day, Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Month and NaNoWriMo.  In addition, it's Peanut Butter Lovers' Month.  Bet you didn't know that one!  For more interesting November holidays and observances, click here.

Here at Pikes Peak Writers, we fully support NaNoWriMo.  It's a great way to get yourself writing and establish the boundaries necessary to make others understand you need time to write, and that you're serious about it.  It's also a fantastic way to get most of a rough draft completed. 

If you absolutely don't think you can write 50,000 words this month, consider Pikes Peak Writers' NaNoTryMo, which allows you to set your own writing goal for the month.  It can be anything you like; it doesn't even have to be a specific word count.  For instance, you can set a goal of sitting down to write for 20 minutes a day.  Or to write 20,000 words this month.  Or to edit a piece you've already written.  How about a goal of writing a short story this month?  Or one per week during the month?  Think about what you'd like to accomplish, what you think you'd be able to accomplish and what it would take to push that a little bit to make it a challenge, but one you can meet.  Set that goal and stick to it!

If you live in or near the Colorado Springs area, we're featuring four write-ins this month, to be located at East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918.  We will have space in conference rooms 1 & 2.  The dates are as follows:

Saturday, November 10, 9-12 A.M.

Thursday, November 15, 8:30-11:30 A.M.

Saturday, November 24, 9-12 A.M.

Wednesday, November 28, 8:30-11:30 A.M.

Come hang out and get some quiet time to write, whether on paper or keyboard.

In addition, we are delighted to announce a partnership between Pikes Peak Writers and Pikes Peak Library District.  Our monthly Write Brains will take place at our new venue: Penrose Library, 20 North Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.  The meetings will be in the back, in the historic and alluring Carnegie Room.  Write Brains are the third Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., and are free to attend.

Whether you plan to participate in NaNoWriMo, here's to a wonderful month, full of creativity, high word counts and the quest for publication.

Shannon Lawrence,

Managing Editor, Writing From the Peak