WRITE a novel in just one month with the help of a series of free workshops, beginning on Monday, October 29, in Basingstoke Discovery Centre.   

The classes for ambitious writers of all abilities have been organised in conjunction with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and an annual rite of passage for aspiring writers around the globe. In 2011, nearly half a million people worldwide took part.

This year, the Discovery Centre is aiming to get as many locals involved as possible and encourage budding scribes of any sort to finally write the novel they’ve always wanted to.

The workshops kick off with a pep talk at 2pm by local author Stuart Johns, followed by a plot brainstorming session and write-in. Write-ins will continue over the course of the month, during which participants are provided with a supportive space to create as a group.

All participants will be treated to a triumphant TGIO (Thank God It’s Over!) party on November 26. The person with the highest overall word count will receive a copy of the new Julian Stockwin novel – he is originally native to Basingstoke – who has generously donated books and advice to help participants survive and thrive from this experience.

Basingstoke Discovery Centre has thrown down the gauntlet and dares you to take part in an adventure that promises to make November 2012 unforgettable. Whether you write 500 words or 50,000, find out what happens when you set the bar wildly high and the deadline deadly short.
You’ll make friends, you’ll make memories – you may even make a novel by the end!

For more details, visit the Basingstoke Discovery Centre in Festival Place, phone 01256 478670 or email jess.hanslip@ hants.gov.uk. 

The sessions - October 29: Gearing up, November 12: Midway Session, November 26: Thank God It's Over Party, December 10: Revision