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

Grand Prize Draw

Complete the survey and participate in a qualifying Simcoe NaNoWriMo event or activity to get entered in the grand prize draw.

  1. Either, register and attend a Simcoe NaNoWriMo event (virtual/in-person) to be entered.
  2. OR, visit one of the 6 participating Libraries (Barrie, Clearview, Essa, Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Tay Township) to drop-in and 'come write in' during their open hours and complete a ballot at the service desk to 'check-in' and be entered.

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.

Oct 5-Nov30 8 week course - FULL Family Portraits: Memoir Writing Workshop @ New Tecumseth PL
Oct 7 3:00pm BPL Book Chat: Author Edition - Kristin Larsen
October 14 3:00pm BPL Book Chat: Author Edition - with Sylvia Barnard
October 19
6:30pm How to Start and Write your Book* - Join In-person or online
October 21 3:00pm BPL Book Chat: Author Edition - with Tyneisha Ternent
October 25 10:00am NaNoWriMo 101
October 28 3:00pm BPL Book Chat: Author Edition - with Johanne Levesque*
November 8 7:00pm Out of Your Comfort Zone - How to make the most of Author Event* - Join In-person or online
November 11 3:00pm BPL Book Chat: Author Edition - with Ann Burke
November 16 7:00pm Simcoe NaNoWriMo Write In*
November 15, 16 & 17 2:00pm Drop-in Writer's Space @ Tay Township Public Library, see link for branch locations
Nov 17 1:00pm New Tecumseth Library's Local Author Showcase and Book Fair at the Tottenham Community Centre - coming soon... Interested authors apply here
November 23 7:00pm Simcoe NaNoWriMo Write In*
November 25 11:00am BPL Book Chat: Author Edition - with Jessica Hamilton
November 24 7:00pm Pathways to Publishing with Kirsta White*
November 29 2:00pm Simcoe NaNoWriMo Write In*
December 3 2:00pm BPL's Local Author Book Market

* 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. 

Search for local Barrie and area community groups using the keyword ‘writing instruction’ in the Community Information Directory.