By Jae O’Connor
November is NaNoWriMo, but some writers need an extra push and friendly encouragement to reach their 50,000-word goal. Thankfully, there are plenty of local write-ins that connect you to other writers and keep you artistically motivated. Networking with fellow word-craftsmen is a fantastic way to defeat writer’s block and keep yourself accountable for your labor of love. Your characters will thank you for it (unless they’re on the kill list, of course).
On NaNoWriMo’s website, you will be able to find forums, pep talks, and local community listings for write-ins. Here are this weekend’s write-ins:
Thursday, November 5:
Kittens with Typewriters Write-In
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Caboose Cafe, 2419 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria
Woodbridge/Dumfries Panera Write-In
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Panera Bread: 4402 Fortuna Center Plaza, Dumfries
Herndon/Manassass Panera Write-In
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Panera Bread, 2328 Woodland Crossing Dr, Herndon
Friday, November 6:
George Mason Regional Library Write-In
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library: 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Fairfax Panera Write-In
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Panera Bread, 3955 Chain Bridge Rd #103, Fairfax
Saturday, November 7:
Arlington Central Library All-Ages Write-In
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Arlington Central Library: 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington
Sunday, November 8:
Manassas Panera Write-In
10 a.m. – 10p.m. at Panera Bread: 8085 Sudley Rd, Manassas
Charles Beatley Library Write-In
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St, Alexandria