The creative writing class has started their newest assignment, which coincides with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Seventeen students are attempting to write a novel, or at least a first draft of one, during November.

While in past years students have been required to participate, this year it is optional.

Students have mostly free reign over their novels. Junior Lena Yuhas said that “our only restriction is the word count goal.” 

      Teacher Jason Wawrzeniak stated that he has seen word counts anywhere from 8,000 to 50,000. The rubric also suggests that students should only write during the month of November.

Probably the largest rule is the lack of revisions allowed. The rubric states that no editing, proofreading, or revising is allowed, which is different compared to the normal assignments students participate in. 

“I know it’s challenging for young writers to write and not fix anything. But in some ways I think it will be a great reminder to them of how important the revision process is, because after writing without proofreading for an entire month, I’m sure there will be some major issues to revisit when they finish their drafts,” said Wawrzeniak. 

The “rough draft” nature of this project allows for students to write more and stress less. Yuhas mentioned that she was able to write 50,000 words in a month, which is a much shorter period than the 60,000 words she wrote in a year for a separate novel. She also likes not having to revise, as it is the most stressful part of writing to her.

Writing a novel still takes time though, which is why students are given the entire month of November to write their rough drafts. Sophomore Cassie Fong stated that she likes not having to revise, as revising normally takes up a lot of time. She believed that if she had to proofread and edit her novel, she would not have enough time.

While neither Fong nor Yuhas have participated previously in National Novel Writing Month, both said they are very excited to be a part of it. Fong said she enjoys writing what she never has had the time to. She states that having the grade makes her more motivated to get it done.

Yuhas, who said she is a big writer, also loves this assignment, and even states that she was planning on participating in it even if the class did not. Her favorite part is having no restrictions on what she can write. 

“We’re allowed to use our own ideas and style to create what will become a fully developed novel in the future,” Yuhas added.

At the end of the month, students will be turning in a small excerpt of their drafts to be graded. 

“I am so impressed and proud of the students’ work so far. I can’t wait to read them!” Wawrzeniak said. 

Katie Reese, Media Manager