If you have been around this blog, long, you witnessed my first attempt at NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), last November. (For the journey, see here.) If you haven’t, I’ll just explain that NaNoWriMo happens each November, and tens of thousands of writers and would-be-writers sign up to pound out 50,000 words during the thirty-one days. Even though I was unable to complete my task (due to a physical injury and poor planning), I enjoyed the experience and got a new book out of it (The Night of One Hundred Thieves, out later this year). In fact, the process of a quick write was so agreeable to me, that I want to try it again and I don’t want to wait until November.

Enter Camp NaNoWriMo.

Camp NaNoWriMo is a little bit NaNoWriMo light, but it also embraces things that NaNoWriMo doesn’t: younger participants, alternative projects, and varying word count goals. (Note: part of me is really tempted to up the word count goal since my book is definitely going to be longer than 50,000, but that would be stupid since I didn’t even make that goal, last time.) Another cool thing: you can be put into virtual cabins with other participants, which will (theoretically) act as encouragement and friendly competition. You not only chat with these people on the website, but can view their daily progress alongside your own.

I am also happy to announce that I got a friend of mine to participate with me. I am looking forward to cracking the whip on her. Just kidding. (Maybe.)

More deets: Camp NaNoWriMo happens twice each summer, and the months for 2014 are April and July. You have the month to complete your word count goal (while juggling normal life). Most novice participants would advise the newbie to plan really well, which I have been working on all this past month. I have pages of printouts, a giant file of notes, and hours of logged brain time devoted to The Journey of Clement Fancywater, but no words on the page, yet. To see more about Camp NaNoWriMo (or to join in), go here. To read more about The Journey of Clement Fancywater, go here.

So here I go, again.

Tomorrow.