National Novel Writing Month: Here is a curated list of resources to aid your writing process

It is that time of the year again when writers look to be in a tearing hurry Their usual laziness and apprehension to approach a blank page is replaced by a rushed frenzy to fill them up with words NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month in November marks the beginning of writersrsquo monthlong campaign to finish their first manuscriptFrom writing retreats YouTube talks to podcasts that unravel the mysteries of writerrsquos block the digital universe is alive with ways to enable novice authors navigate their way through tricky terrain Here are our picksWebsites NaNoWriMo The central hub of the season the space has grown into a community for writers from across the globe to share their struggle The platform offers access to mentors local and international who share their suggestions and encourage new authors to get over the hurdles for the month It is also a platform that offers a chance to build networks for amateur writers finding their way through the publishing industrylog on to NaNoWriMoorg The Write Practice Despite notions of its solitary nature writing works best with a community of writers around you Founded in 2011 this website has collated resources prompts tips and also offers advice that can prove useful to all writers Newcomers can sign up and receive writing prompts access resources and exercises to start withLog on to thewritepracticecomWriting retreats The Himalayan Writing Retreat If you are a writer looking to escape chaos and find space amongst likeminded souls this might just be the retreat you need The annual workshop includes strict deadlines overseen by published and renowned authors and editors with advice and suggestions onsubmitted manuscriptsLog on to himalayanwriting for more details Panchgani Writersrsquo Retreat Founded by author and business coach Shabnam Samuel the retreat has become an annual expedition for creators looking to find inspiration in the outdoors With new destinations the sixday workshop deals with poetry creative writing memoirs among other formsLog on to panchganiwritersretreatcom Sangam House This international residency programme has seen participation from authors such as Perumal Murugan Raghu Karnad and Annie Zaidi among other international names In its 15th year the programme is a good chance for regional international and national writers to come together to collaborate Applications for the next season open in March 2023Log on to sangamhouseorgYouTube channels Kristina Horner The writer has been a regular part of the project since 2017 and has since shared her own journey struggles and setbacks for newcomers to learn fromLog on to Kristina Horner on YouTube Terrible Writing Advice Not every writing tutorial has to be serious Laugh and learn with Joseph P Beaubienrsquos animated depiction of the results of bad writing styles and strategiesLog on to Terrible Writing Advice on YouTube TedX Talk Beware the Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie The viral 2009 talk by the Booker Prizenominated author underlines the importance of keeping bias out of writing The talk enlightens authors on the need to understand individuals and stories as multifaceted expressions of individual livesLog on to TED on YouTubePodcasts Deadline City Writers Dhonielle Clayton and Zoraida Coacuterdova speak about life as professional writers From burnouts to failed resolutions and publisher troubles you can find an answer to all your writing troublesLog on to Deadline City on spotify The Listening Project When it comes to improving language you cannot go wrong with a BBC production The Listening Project is curates conversations from professional private and personal spaces that is perfect if you are in need of inspirationlog on to bbccoukTheListeningProject Rite Gud Raquel S Benedictrsquos podcast is not for the beginners but amateurs looking to turn professional The series of interviews with authors publishers examines process and plot structure to sharpen the focus of your stories Be prepared for the complex unravelling ofwriting terminologies Log on to podcastsapplecom RiteGud How To Win at NaNoWriMoSharp specific and direct Kristin Horner and Liz Leorsquos podcast series sifts through literary jargon and can help writers to get through the challenges of NaNoWriMo without facing any major tripupsLog on to podcastsapplecomFrom the authorrsquos mouthI attempted NaNoWriMo in 2014 and 2015 for the draft of my first novel It is a community for writers where they talk to each other share their progress through the project We have a municipal liaison who leads the organisation in the country There are workshops that also go on in the prelude to NaNoWriMo in addition to physical meets which help local writersrsquo meet up and discuss their subjects and process The group keeps boosting each other It is quite like running a marathon where people have to encourage each otherTips for aspirants Plan in advance Donrsquot keep the plotting and details pending till November Stay disciplined Find enough time to write your share every day Try writing platforms like Wattpad to receive feedback on your writing Include the feedback in your reworks If you are unsure of the solitary process apply and attend workshops They help authors get direction and understand the evaluation processesNeil DrsquoSilva author Mayarsquos New Husband