There is no secret trick to writing a novel

It’s November, which means it’s National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo is the brainchild of Chris Baty, a freelance writer based in San Francisco. The project started in July 1999 with only 21 participants, before moving to November the following year to “take advantage of the miserable weather”.

The challenge is simple, or not so simple, depending on your perspective. Participants in NaNoWriMo attempt to write a 50,000-word novel between November 1 and November 30, relying on an online community of fellow Wrimos for support.

This year, more than 400,000 people across the world are set to take part, describing is as “a shot of caffeine for the creative life”. At least 10% are likely to complete the challenge.