How to organize your own write-in event for Script Frenzy or NaNoWriMo

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What is a write-in? A proud tradition of both NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and Screnzy (Script Frenzy), write-ins are small gatherings of writers with the express purpose of getting as much written as possible. Such events usually have some kind of food and/or drink available and usually include inspirational challenges such as word sprints or wars, often for prizes. Their focus is not just fun but also productivity.

While most write-ins are scheduled by the ML (Municipal Liaison) of the area, participants are usually encouraged to organize their own additional write-ins. Particularly for very large areas, where a single ML cannot possibly organize enough events for the entire area, participant organized write-ins are particularly important.

Write-ins are most often held at libraries, bookstores, cafes or coffee shops. NaNoWriMo & Screnzy both encourage libraries and bookstores to sign up as official partners as part of their Come Write-In program.

Whenever you are planning to work on your project in a public location, consider inviting others and make it a mini write-in, even if it’s short notice. Sometimes the best write-ins start out as spontaneous forum posts.

If you’d prefer a little more organization, however, and if you’d like your ML to be able to add your event to your area calendar, consider scheduling at least a few days in advance.

How do I reserve space for write-ins?

• For cafes, coffee shops, bookstores and other retail locations you won’t necessarily be able to reserve space but you can usually all agree to meet in a certain area. Just be sure to call ahead and make sure the location you are planning on meeting in is OK with literary loiterers. It would be very bad to have everyone arrive at the event only to be immediately asked to leave. Just give the area a heads up that you’ll be having x people there to write and is that OK. As long as you are spending money while there on things like coffee and food, they usually won’t have a problem.
• Libraries all have different rules but almost all of them have “quiet study rooms” that can be reserved for free and they never have a problem with people just hanging out on laptops all day. (Many libraries also have larger party rooms which can be reserved for a fee.) Quiet study rooms are often small but can make the perfect write-in setting as they almost always include many outlets, free internet, a nice big table and all the research materials you could want right outside the door. Just be sure to call ahead to make sure a room is available and reserve it.
• Can I have a write-in at my house? While the answer is technically yes, I would strongly advise against it unless you are a veteran ML. Most people are not comfortable going to a stranger’s house so it makes for a more awkward situation then a public place.

Other things to consider:

• Whenever possible, favor NaNoWriMo and Screnzy friendly locations, especially if they are signed up as a Come Write-In location or were willing to put up a poster or other media materials.
• There are never enough outlets. Be sure to bring at least one power strip and extension cord to the write-in for everyone’s laptops.
• Not all libraries allow food. However, many people are adverse to having a write-in at a coffee shop where they feel like they need to buy something. There is no perfect write-in location so just understand that you won’t be able to please everyone.
• You may get no or a very low turn out. That’s OK! Just stick it out and make sure to stay the whole time no matter what. Sometimes people prefer to drop in late or get lost on the way and they’ll get discouraged if they arrive late to find no one there. Please also commit to having your write-in no matter how many RSVPs you get. It makes people less likely to agree to attend at all if they think there’s a risk you’ll cancel. I’ve gotten some of my best writing done at write-ins where I was the only person who showed because I was trying so hard to look busy, I actually made myself get busy! 🙂
• Make sure you are easy to reach so that attendees can email, call or text you in the event of emergencies, questions or other issues both during the write-in and for several hours beforehand.

What to do once the details are finalized

• Post about the event in the forums and encourage people to RSVP. The earlier the better! For best results, put all of the most important info in the title of the post. (Example: Write-In: Sunday, April 2nd from 1 PM to 3 PM at Starbucks in Denville)
• If you have an ML for your area, email your ML with all of the details so that they can add the event to the official calendar for you. Be sure to include some kind of contact info so attendees can reach you in case of emergencies.

Have any questions? Tips from past experience? Please feel free to add your 2 cents below!