Need a little help and support to get started or to keep going? Check out these online events.
NaNoWriMo
National Novel-Writing Month, held each November. Participants commit to writing 50,000 words of a new novel in 30 days with emphasis on quantity, not quality. Helpful for those who tend to polish paragraphs rather than finish manuscripts. Active online forums offer advice, expertise on arcane topics, and encouragement.
http://nanowrimo.org/
StoryStorm
(Formerly PiBoIdMo, Picture Book Idea Month). Held each January. The Storystorm challenge is to create 30 story ideas in 30 days. Hosted by Tara Lazar, a picture book writer.
https://taralazar.com/storystorm/
On this site: Tara Lazar, Debut Author and Social Media Guru
Tara Lazar, Founder of PiBoIdMo and Talented Author
12 x 12
12 Picture Books, 12 Months. Starts in January of each year. Participants commit to writing 12 complete picture book manuscripts in 12 months. Yearly fee includes monthly webinars by professionals in the industry and access to online resources. A good follow-on to PiBoIdMo (see above). Hosted by Julie Hedlund, a picture book writer.
http://www.juliehedlund.com/12-x-12/
On this site: 12 questions for 12 x 12 founder, Julie Hedlund
#5am Writers’ Club
Informal early-morning writing community on Twitter. “As long as you have caffeine and donuts to share, you’re in. All you have to do is Tweet with the hashtag, #5amWritersClub, so everyone can find you.”
https://5amwritersclub.wordpress.com/
Critique Circle
A free online writing workshop for all authors, whether they write literary fiction, short stories, articles, science-fiction, fantasy, romance, children’s novels, or another genre. Members “pay” in critiques for other members.
https://www.critiquecircle.com/Default.asp
https://www.critiquecircle.com/newmembersinfo.asp
Inked Voices
Join critique groups with other children’s writers and workshop your writing online in private, invitation-based groups. Interact with your group and exchange feedback in a shared group space. Stay organized and on track for deadlines with project management features.
http://www.inkedvoices.com/
On this site: Inked Voices, a new way to meet & critique (Interview with founder Brooke McIntyre)
Scribophile
Description from the site: A respectful online writing group made up of writers who improve each other’s work with thoughtful critiques and by sharing their writing experience.
http://www.scribophile.com/
On this site: Scribophile: Your Friendly Online Critique Group, by Alison Potoma
WRITERS' RUMPUS 