Every November, thousands of writers around the world are united with the similar goal of writing 50,000 words to create a novel. The average word count per day is 1,667 words to make it to 50,000 by the end of November. This year a couple students are taking part of the novel writing experience.

“Who doesn’t need a challenge? Something to motivate you, get you to really try,” said senior Devin Short.

The Nanowrimo website said one reason for writing a novel is “to give yourself permission to write without obsessing over quality.”

Short said this is his first attempt at writing a novel during November. He had heard of it in previous years but this year he finally decided to try and do it.

“It’s really long and hard,” said Short.

Sophomore Tia Johnson is also participating in Nanowrimo, this year will be her second year. She said she thinks participating is a good idea, writer or not.

“Even if you’re not a writer, it’s a really fun thing to do,” said Johnson. “You created it and no one can take it away from you.”

The process is very difficult, especially while balancing school, work and social lives. One way Johnson keeps up with her novel is participating in ‘write-in’s at local libraries where she writes with other participants in the local area.

“The write-ins are very fun,” said Johnson.

For more information on the program and write-ins, visit nanowrimo.org.