ROCKLAND — Those who hear the NaNoWriMo (sounds like nanno rhyme-o) acronym for the first time might think it’s odd, but for aspiring and veteran writers alike, it’s the welcome sound of inspiration. November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which challenges participants to write a 50,000-word novel in one month.

For the layman, that’s about 2/3 of a novel, or about 150-170 pages. And yes, you can do it!

The Rockland Public Library is participating in NaNoWriMo and offering space in its lower level to “Come Write In.” The space and informal group, led by five-time NaNoWriMo participant and author Lee Heffner, invites aspiring novelists to gather in a place and write together throughout the month.

“Writing groups are very important to the process, but finding the writing group that is right for you is the trick,” said Heffner, who has actually completed the 50,000-word goal twice in the last five years. “It has to be one that has common goals and where participants respect each others’ writing. The hardest thing, I think, to learn as a writer is to give and receive constructive feedback. It takes a long time to get over not feeling wounded when somebody critiques your work.”

Heffner is a big proponent of the NaNoWriMo process for any level of writer because of the limited time frame. For 30 days in November people are under the gun to get to that 50,000-word goal. “We are acculturated to work by deadlines,” she said.  “I think that’s one of the most important aspects of NaNoWriMo — the second is the principle of ‘Murder your Internal Editor.’ Writing is broken into three different processes: writing, editing and marketing and they require very different areas of focus. Write first—then edit. Then when it’s all done, market it.”

Two of Heffner’s participants were there to learn and to be encouraged. Linda White, a psychotherapist for 30 years, was interested in writing a series of essays, 12 essay for 12 months. “I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve wanted to write about some of the insights that have evolved beyond traditional therapy and the spiritual aspects,” she said. A lot of my work professionally came from my own journey, so there’s been a book or two in me for a long time.

Emily Lattimore, another participant, has had more experience as a writer, but was using this month and group to get re-engaged. “I want to write the kind of books I do already write, but I’d to sell them,” she said, laughing.

“NaNoWriMo is an unbeatable way to write the first draft of a novel because it’s such a powerful antidote to that horrible foe of creativity: self doubt,” said Grant Faulkner, executive director of NaNoWriMo. “As many NaNoWriMo writers have discovered, the best way to learn to write a novel is by simply plunging in to write a novel.”

In addition to a comfortable and quiet space, the Rockland Public Library library is providing free WiFi. Additionally, there will be weekly gatherings to write and exchange ideas with fellow novelists. Beginning Nov. 6, gatherings will be held on Wednesdays in the Library's Board Room, from noon to 2 p.m. This is a time to write together and share ideas, breakthroughs, frustration and more.

Visit www.nanowrimo.org for more details and to register to write on a national level, or simply join Heffner’s local group and get crackin’—that muse isn’t going to sit there forever. See her Pinterest page for inspiration. For more information, call the Library at 594-0310.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com