Library offers programs for aspiring writers, avid readers in November
Published on October 27, 2022
Do you dream about writing the next Great American Novel?
The Fort Worth Public Library has special programs to help you learn and do just that in November, which is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
Started in 1999, NaNoWriMo encourages writers to put pen to paper with daily writing goals that are meant to add up to a complete, 50,000-word novel after 30 days. The movement has grown into a nonprofit support network that aims to encourage writers year-round.
Several November events at the Fort Worth Public Library are designed to help get the creative juices flowing for adults and teens. The Library’s commitment is to offer special and year-round events as it serves as a literary hub for the City.
Words of encouragement
Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Would-be scribes are invited to join others for writing sprints, accountability and read/critique sessions at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in November at Northwest. A similar but even more intense experience is available four days a week starting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Southwest Regional with the goal of reaching NaNoWriMo’s 50,000-word goal.
Events specifically for teens includes a Teen Novel Writing Workshops at 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at Shamblee and at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Southwest Regional. Teen Graphic Novel Workshops are set for 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at Golden Triangle; at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at La Gran Biblioteca; at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Central; and at 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at East Regional.
Writing support year-round
A few Fort Worth Public Library locations play host to regular writers’ workshops, including the Write On, Write On, Write On sessions 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Southwest Regional; the Flash Fiction Club that fosters writing of short stories under 1,500 words at 5 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at Golden Triangle; and The Write Stuff sessions at 10:30 a.m. the first Friday of each month at Ridglea.
There are also quarterly writers workshops that focus on a particular genre or aspect of becoming a published writer. On Nov. 17 at the East Regional Library, author Jodé Millman will cover the basics of copyrights, trademarks and key provisions of publishing contracts for budding authors as part of NaNoWriMo and Global Entrepreneurship Week. She will also discuss her book, Hooker Avenue.
By the book
Of course, another way the Library is the City’s literary hub is that it offers a vast collection of reading materials and reading-related events. For regular children’s story times to author visits, the Library has something for all ages.
The Library’s Author Series offers in-person and virtual connections with popular authors in a variety of genres. For November, a new Children’s Author Series kicks off with Jennifer L. Holm at 5 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Reby Cary Youth Library. Holm will discuss her books featuring Babymouse and Squish characters. At 1 p.m. Nov. 12, Dr. Victor Evans will discuss his book, The Case of the Missing Lightning Bat, at the Central Library.
In the ongoing Author Series for adults, acclaimed author Bryan Washington will discuss his debut novel Memorial and his debut short-story collection Lot and at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Central. Register for the free event here.