From the Come Write In Stacks: A Transformative Library

Our Come Write In program provides libraries, bookstores, and other neighborhood hubs the resources to build and support a local writing community. We dig through the stacks to bring you our favorite stories:

The Setting: NaNoWriMo started at the Durham County Public Library in November of 2011. At that time I had been working on a novel for about a decade, and was struggling with finding the motivation to finish. I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo, and as a librarian, thought I might be able to convince some of my patrons to take the journey with me.

Having a community writing space is incredibly important. Writing is usually a solitary exercise, and it’s the fellowship of NaNoWriMo that makes it so special. Being able to meet in person, connect with other writers, and affirm that you’re not in this alone is what makes this event great…

The Plot: I’ve been very lucky to have tons of support from the Durham County Library, as well as my local Municipal Liaisons, when it comes to putting on events. Every year now, we host planning workshops in October, Kick-Off and T.G.I.O. (Thank God It’s Over) parties, and of course write-ins.

My library has set aside an annual budget for NaNoWriMo events, and the MLs attend and promote our events on the NaNo website. It is an awesome partnership, and we have hundreds attend our events every year—and it’s only getting bigger.

The Characters: The most exciting thing about hosting NaNoWriMo events is meeting the other people who share in this transformative experience. Once we leave school, such opportunities are rare, but they remain very fulfilling. Doing something difficult while sharing the experience with others is a very powerful thing.

I usually let the MLs handle writing challenges, but my favorite is when we all draw three random words from a hat and then have to find a way to incorporate them into our novels during a writing sprint. It really gets the creative juices flowing, usually leads to something humorous, and can be just what you need to start thinking in a fresh way about your story.

The Dare: Write a scene where individuals leave covert messages for one another, perhaps in shelved library books.

Phillip Locey graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in English, and a minor in Creative Writing. Seeking a synergistic “day job,” he started working in public libraries in 2002, and has been an Adult Services Librarian in Durham County, NC, since 2010. Phillip is participating in NaNoWriMo for the fourth time, and was a first-time winner in 2013. He loves working at the library and providing a space for the local writing community to engage one another and their work.