Last year Evan
wrote about National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. If 50,000 words in 30 days still fills you with a cold feeling of dread, how about
I Love to Write Day on 15 November?
Prolific writer and founder of I Love to Write Day, John Riddle, created the 'world's largest party for writers' to give people who've always loved to write - but have never found the time - an excuse to write something, even if it's just for one day.
I've been known to dash off a haiku or two when I'm feeling particularly frustrated by events, because trying to channel my feelings into that 5-7-5 syllable restriction actually helps me calm down, step back emotionally, and see the humour in it all. I'm an extremely well-balanced individual, as is made patently obvious by my obsession with serial killers and the need to visit the cemeteries of almost every city I've visited.
A love of consuming words is probably strongest among those who also regularly practise creating them, and good habits are formed best when young, so parents and teachers should definitely get on board and create I Love to Write Day activities for children. Riddle's site has a number of
basic suggestions that could be used anywhere, but I'm sure creative educators and carers could come up with loads of really fun ideas - but let's avoid Twitter!
Full contact details are available on the I Love To Write Day website, so email Riddle if you plan to host an event on 15 November.
