Simcoe National Novel Writing Month
Simcoe National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)
The Library is the perfect space for authors and aspiring writers writing their National Novel Writing Month novel in November.
Join Simcoe County libraries as they celebrate National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and support writers on their journey to write a novel in one month with space to write, access to wifi, computers, resources and virtual socials/write-ins and events. Participating Libraries include; Barrie, Essa, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Tay, and Clearview.
Learn about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
Image courtesy of NaNoWriMo
Schedule
Visit our Events Calendar to find details about all BPL and local partner library programs, including access to our Program Portal, and registration and links to live Zoom programs.
| Date | Time | Program | Library | Location |
| October 25 | 10:00 am | NaNoWriMo 101 | Barrie Public Library | Online |
| October 25 | 1:00 pm | Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Beeton D.A. Jones Branch |
| October 26 | 10:00 am | How to Get a Book on the Shelf* - What Canadian Authors Need to Know, in partnership with Editors Barrie | Barrie Public Library | Painswick Branch or online |
| November 1 | 7:00 pm | Write-IN: Intro to NaNoWriMo |
Essa Public Library | Angus Branch |
| November 1 | 7:00 pm | Simcoe Author Talk Series: Marissa Stapley* | Essa Public Library | Online |
| November 1 | 1:00 pm | Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Beeton D.A. Jones Branch |
| November 4 | 11:00 am | Author Talk with Rachel Stone | Tay Township Public Library | Port McNicoll Branch |
| November 5 | 11:00 am | Community Writing Group | Barrie Public Library | Holly Branch |
| November 8 | 7:00 pm | Simcoe NaNoWriMo Write-In | Barrie Public Library | Downtown |
| November 8 | 5:30 pm | I Write Canadian - Teen NaNoWriMo Meet Up | Barrie Public Library | Painswick Branch |
| November 8 | 1:00 pm | Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Beeton D.A. Jones Branch |
| November 11 | 3:00 pm | Local Author Showcase and Book Fair | New Tecumseth Public Library | Tottenham Community and Fitness Centre |
| November 13 | 6:30 pm | Barrie Writers' Club Public Meeting (*only if wanting a critique) | Barrie Public Library | Downtown |
| November 15 | 1:00 pm | Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Beeton D.A. Jones Branch |
| November 18 | 11:00 am | Memories of Thunder Beach* with author Therea Fama | Tay Township Public Library | Port McNicoll Branch |
| November 16 | 4:00 pm | Why She Writes with Joy Harjo - Virtual Author Talk | Innisfil Public Library | Online |
| November 21 | 1:00 pm | Community Writing Group | Barrie Public Library | Holly Branch |
| November 22 | 1:00 pm | Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Beeton D.A. Jones Branch |
| November 23 | 7:00 pm | Simcoe NaNoWriMo: Get Your Project to the Finish Line | Essa Public Library | Angus Branch |
| November 26 | 2:00 pm | Simcoe NaNoWriMo Write-In | Barrie Public Library | Downtown |
| November 27 | 6:30 pm | Barrie Writers' Club Public Meeting | Barrie Public Library | Holly Branch |
| November 29 | 7:00 pm | Storytelling for Children and Youth | Barrie Public Library | Online |
| November 29 | 7:00 pm | Author Talk Judy Penz Sheluk A Step-by-Step Guide: Finding Your Path to Publication* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Online |
| November 29 | 1:00 pm | Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop* | New Tecumseth Public Library | Beeton D.A. Jones Branch |
| November 30 | 7:00 pm | Simcoe NaNoWriMo: Write In and Wrap Up | Essa Public Library | Angus Branch |
| November 30 | 3:00 pm | Power of Women in Science Fiction with Naomi Alderman - Virtual Author Talk | Innisfil Public Library | Online |
| December 5 | 7:00 pm | Realm Breaker Series with Victoria Aveyard - Virtual Author Talk | Innisfil Public Library | Online |
| December 7 | Patti Callahan Henry - The Secret Book of Flora Lea*; Simcoe Author Talk Series | Barrie Public Library | Online | |
| December 9 | 10:00 am | BPL Local Author Book Market | Barrie Public Library | Downtown |
* Registration Required
Resources for Writers - Get Inspired & Learn
Check out the resources in the drop-down menus below for helpful links to our Program Portal and Digital Library resources that can help boost your skills, find reading recommendations, local writing groups, and more.
All Things Writing: Features videos on self-publishing, editing and interviews with local authors with tips for writers.
Resources for Writers - Discover & Borrow
myBPL Searches
Search for titles to help you with your creative process using the keyword ‘write a book’ or by subject ‘self-publishing’ or for writing or editing help ‘Fiction — Technique’ in myBPL, or check out our staff-curated list of books about Writing & Self Publishing and Journaling.
Need help? Learn how to do basic searching in our Digital Library Academy tutorial.
Next 5
Writer’s block? Let us help you find resources to help your research or writing process.
Complete our Next5 form and we will gather 5 personalized suggestions for you. We can either send you a list of titles by email OR put aside recommendations for you to pick up in person.
Resources for Writers - Digital Library Resources
Take your writing to the next level with free online classes:
Universal class has a lot of writing courses.... 55 of them, including mystery, poetry, short story and novel writing!
Creativebug offers award-winning art video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists that can help you with:
- developing your creative thinking and writing
- creative journaling
- creating a journal for your writing
- beginning calligraphy
- brush lettering
- creative lettering, and more!
LinkedIn Learning enables you to develop your writing skills online, on your time. Courses are taught by industry experts on editing and proofreading, writing a bestselling novel, the craft of story, foundations of fiction and more.
Brainfuse HelpNow is the place to get live online study help from a professional tutor (disponible en français). Receive live help with English and French language learning, as well as advice and suggestions on writing style to improve your creative writing, fiction, poetry, assignments, or papers. Make use of the comments section when submitting your writing! This service helps you improve through learning and does not include direct edits or revisions.
Resources for Writers - Writers in our Community
Discover a local literary journal to read or publish in, and find writing support groups in your area to gain support, resources, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Community Writing Group - Are you a writer, or interested in writing? Meet up with a small gathering of locals who want to meet others with similar interests. All abilities welcome. Use this time to write, discuss your ideas, share writing tips, and make connections! Meets the first Sunday of the month and third Tuesday of the month. Find details on the Library Events Calendar.
Search for local Barrie and area community groups using the keyword ‘writing instruction’ in the Community Information Directory.