Camp 101: The Basics for First-Time Campers

What in the world is Camp NaNoWriMo?

Camp NaNoWriMo is a bi-annual online writers’ retreat that takes place in April and July. Camp gives you the opportunity to set your own goals and work on any writing project in a supportive environment with lots of writers’ resources. Camp is a great time to test run any writing project, whether it be a novel, comic book, graphic novel, memoir, screenplay, travel guide, cookbook, thesis, epic poem, one-act play, or anything else you can dream up! 

Campers from all around the world come together online (and often in person) to share their daily progress, and cheer each other on! No matter what project you choose to work on, no matter what stage of progress you’re in, your fellow campers will be able offer some useful advice and encouragement along the way! The best part is that Camp is fun and free to all! And you never know who you will meet—maybe even the protagonist of your new novel.

How do I do Camp?

It’s OK to feel nervous and excited. Everyone feels that way on their first day of Camp. But, don’t worry. It’s super simple to get started. All you have to do is sign up, pick a cabin, and create your project! Piece of cake. You can do it! Don’t be shy. We are all in this together. And just in case you get lost out on the trail, here is a step by step guide to help you arrive at Camp safe and sound.

Create your profile so your fellow Campers can connect and cheer you on! (If you already have a NaNoWriMo profile, you can just sign in to the Camp NaNoWriMo website with your regular username and password.) Create your project  as early as March (you can change it later). Give it a title and you’re good to go!Join a cabin with up to 20 fellow Campers

to communicate and share encouragement during a Camp NaNoWriMo session. You are assigned to a cabin based on the preferences you select in “Cabin Settings.” Or create a private cabin and invite Campers with similar projects or interests. Snag some flair  to show your Camp NaNo pride on your social media profiles and let others know that you’ll be participating. Get inspired with pep talks, blog posts, and events—plus, some sage advice from your Camp Counselors, published authors who volunteer to share their experience and offer support.Update your word count, or whichever method you choose to mark your daily progress on the Camp website and watch your project climb to the finish line! Claim your win by validating your project starting on April 20th and through the end of the month. There’s no cash prize, but you get bragging rights, special sponsor goody rewards, and your very own novel !)What are some tips?

If this all sounds pretty daunting, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Luckily, the NaNoWriMo community is full of writers happy to share their wisdom and tips for tackling Camp in style. Here’s a few tidbits of advice from last year’s #CampNaNoAdvice tweet chat: