How to Host a NaNoWriMo Theme Party
TGIO Parties, Write-In Food for National Novel Writing Month Events
Aug 15, 2009
NaNoWriMo goes more smoothly when the meet-ups, write-ins and celebrations flow freely. A little attention to the decorations, mementos, and (most importantly) food will make any National Novel Writing Month party more special.
During NaNoWriMo: Write-Ins
A write-in is a gathering of local participants who want to spend a few hours, a day, or even a night writing together. Typical locations include libraries, cafes, community halls, and occasionally private homes.
Ensure that the location has space for writers to use paper and pens, and power sockets for laptops. If possible, set aside space for those who want to chat; that way, novelists who are on a roll can keep writing in peace, and others can take breaks to talk about their novels, share encouragement, and clear their heads.
It's common for write-in participants to be strangers, so consider setting up a mascot to help participants identify each other. Perhaps everyone can bring a small stuffed animal, or wear a beret – have fun with a theme that will break the ice and help people get to know each other.
Food for write-ins should be non-messy and easy to eat. Coffee is always appreciated. It's a good idea to cater for those with allergies and special food preferences – fresh fruit is an easy option.
After NaNoWriMo: Celebrating the End of November Noveling
A final celebration, affectionately known as a TGIO party, is a must. TGIO is a great opportunity to distribute any group orders of NaNoWriMo merchandise, like T-shirts, coffee mugs, and badges. Since everyone's finished writing, there's no need to meet at a quiet location, but participants might like a chance to read extracts from their novels. If the group know each other fairly well, it can be fun to present certificates and prizes. Consider "Longest Novel", "Most Last-Minute Win", "Best Use of Gratuitous Word-Count Padding", and any prizes that suit the participants. Those who completed the 50,000 words can also fill in their winner certificates – but make sure people who didn't reach the official target still get to celebrate their achievements.
Themed Food Ideas for NaNoWriMo
- Decorate cupcakes with "NaNoWriMo", the year, or "1667" (the daily word-count).
- Make a rectangular cake decorated like a novel, a laptop, or a yellow legal pad.
- Make pencils from flavored licorice logs: sharpen to a point with a paring knife, and press a blob of pink marzipan onto the end for an eraser.
- Use paper coffee cups to bake muffins or self-saucing chocolate puddings – half full is fine.
- Make fortune cookies with famous first lines inside them.
For more information, check out the National Novel Writing Month website.
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