How long do you think it takes to write a novel? A year? Five years? For some, 30 days is just enough; at least, if you’re participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Participants sign up online. The challenge? To write the first draft of a novel that’s at least 50,000 words. You start on November 1 and end on November 30. It’s that simple. After that, you’re free to work on revisions for as long as you want. Put that story on the page!