Join us for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) 2023!
NaNoWriMo is a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel, or to meet another writing goal, during the month of November. To learn more or sign up for the official program (not connected to the library), click here.
Twice in November, we’ll tally the word count of local participating writers (how many words can we collectively reach?!). To have your word count added, please email info@rockportlibrary.org by November 17th for the first tally, and December 2nd for the second.
Resources for Writers
Library materials
Take a look at our display of books about writing near the main desk!
Copies of Writer’s Digest magazine are available in the periodical room.
Audio resources:
Writing great fiction : storytelling tips and techniques (Great Course audiobook CD)
Downloadable audiobooks on Libby include:
Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott
Novelist as A Vocation by Haruki Murakami
Websites
NaNo Prep 101 – structured guide to planning a novel (with many links to other websites, webinars, worksheets, and podcasts!)
Purdue Online Writing Lab – guidance about grammar, writing mechanics, avoiding plagiarism, and other topics
Writing with Color – Q&A about representing People of Color in fiction; guidance on writing racial, ethnic, and religious diversity
Writer’s Digest – tips from authors about writing mechanics, plot and character development, and more
Writing Fiction: An Introductory Guide (Boston Public Library) – lists of books, organizations, websites, and other resources for writers
Several of these sites also provide research tips and guides.
Research materials
Writing a historical novel?
Cape Ann History from Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester – digitized archives of local newspapers and other documents
Chronicling America from the Library of Congress – archives of historic newspapers
Internet Archive – online database of books and other materials. Useful for finding old print materials, such as books and pamphlets
Rockport Library Online Research & Entertainment – search databases of academic resources, newspaper archives, and more! Some resources will require a Rockport Library card number. For residents of other communities, please check your local library’s website; similar resources are likely available there.