Want to write a novel? We do too!
While we loved the playfully ominous “November Program,” we feel that Novel November is a much better name to represent what we do in November which is… write a novel!
Join us in a creative marathon from November 1 to November 30 to reach 50,000 words. Attend events, make friends, and most of all, write!
The rules are simple.
On November 1, start writing a novel.* Count your words. Stop at midnight on November 30. Celebrate your accomplishments.
(*Or a memoir. Or a fanfic. Or your thesis. Or a novella. Or a script. Or— you get it. Just write!)
Our theme this year:
Welcome to the Carnival!
Writing is fun, but it can also be chaotic, overwhelming, and feel rigged against you. Just like a carnival! From the delicious aroma of fried foods leading you down winding stalls, to ominously squeaking rides, and not to mention the games, writing something big is a lot like exploring a carnival. We hope you have some fun with the twists and turns, and when it gets overwhelming, we’ll be right there with you!
Okay so like… how do I get involved?
This one is easy. Write however and wherever you can. While of course we’d love for you to join us at any of our write-ins around the metro, we have other ways to get involved too!
Join our Discord for a 24/7 community of writers and a whole host of virtual events!
Join our mailing list to receive encouragement directly to your inbox!
Weekly Write-Ins
We’ll be around the metro with a write-in every single day of the month! Here’s our weekly schedule. All of this information is on our google calendar and you can see it on our website here.
New this year: morning write-ins during the week! We heard your feedback loud and clear and we’ve added two new morning write-ins during the weeks for those of you who work/study/just generally have a different schedule! Monday, Thursday, and Saturday you can find us around the metro from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.!
Sunday
1-4 p.m.
Rochester Brewing and Roasting
2129 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Monday
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
McLain’s Bakery on Gregory
201 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64114
6-9 p.m.
Panera Bread on NW Barry Road
6286 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154
Tuesday
6-9 p.m.
Front Range Cafe – Waldo/Brookside
400 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64131
Wednesday
6-9 p.m.
Panera Bread on the Plaza
4700 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112
Thursday
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Banksia on Main Street
12th & Main, 1183 Main St Suite 120, Kansas City, MO 64105
6-9 p.m.
Apogee Coffee & Draft (subject to change)
670 N Central St, Olathe, KS 66061
Friday
6-9 p.m.
Virtually on Discord
Saturday
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mid-continent Library: Riverside Branch
4510 NW Gateway Ave, Riverside, MO 64150
Special Events
Kickoff – Join us to learn more about the program, meet other participants, and work on some brainstorming exercises! Join us Saturday, October 25th, from 1:00 – 4 p.m. in Waldo Library Room A (201 E 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114)!
Writing Til Dawn Marathon – In-person chaos, games, and more. Starting on October 31st at midnight and going until 8 a.m. November first, this all night marathon is designed to give you a good kick start on your novel! We’ll be at Hollis Renewal Center (11414 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66111) at 11 p.m., with writing starting at 12 a.m.! We’ll be in the lodge building and parking is available on-site. We’ll have snacks, drinks, and the chaotic energy that KanMoWriCo is known for. Join us for prizes and to get a head start on your novel!
Traveling Marathon of Doom – The 16th annual Traveling Marathon of Doom takes place on November 16. The biggest word crawl in the region starts off at multiple locations at 8:00 a.m. then continues throughout the day. Last year our participants wrote over 130,000 words collectively!
Black Friday Virtual Marathon – Writing during the holidays can be tough. This virtual marathon is designed as a low-stakes catch-up day to get you back on track after a day full of turkey and pumpkin pie!
Everyone is welcome!
Everyone can write, so everyone can write with us. We welcome all genres, publication statuses, races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, abilities, and political affiliations — as long as you do too.
You may be thinking…
This sounds familiar. Isn’t this National Novel Writing Month?
We outlived NaNoWriMo, so I think we get to claim we invented writing a novel in a month now. We won’t claim that (legally) but I do think it’s funny (theoretically).
Why do I need a group to write a novel?
You don’t. But at KanMoWriCo, we’ve been noveling-in-a-month for a long time, and we know that connecting with community helps you write more!
What if I want to write more/less/something else….
Write what you want, forever. Whatever you’re writing, we want you to come write it with us! Even if you can’t commit to the whole month, November is a great time to come and try it out!
Are you taking COVID precautions?
Our in-person events do not require masks, because they are in public spaces where we can’t guarantee those outside our group will be masking. You are always welcome at our events if you’re masking. We also have a robust virtual write-in schedule for those who are compromised, cautious, or otherwise unable to come in person.
Can I bring my kids to a write-in?
Yes! We know being a parent is tough and finding child care is even tougher. We encourage you to show up as you are and write. We ask that you please be respectful of the other folks in the group and bring your child headphones or something quiet to do while we’re attempting to write.
Can kids write with you?
For kids 15 and younger, we ask that an adult remain with them, or discuss their attendance in advance with our organizers. Young people 16-17 years old are welcome without adults.
Due to Discord’s terms of service, participants in virtual events must be 13 or older.
KanMoWriCo 