In November, more than 400,000 people will do the writerly equivalent of running a marathon: writing a novel in 30 days as part of National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo). In the Chippewa Valley, NaNoWriMo is bookended with two fun meet-and-greet events. Pick up your goody bag and chat with other participants and the Kick-Off party 4-6pm on Nov. 2 at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar, 615 Graham Ave. At the end of the month, celebrate what you’ve done and figure out what to do with your novel draft at the Wrap-Up Party at 1-3pm on Dec. 2 at Books-A-Million, 4030 Commonwealth Ave. However, most events will be “write-ins,” which are strictly quiet writing time, no socializing allowed. Join other writers 1-4pm every Sunday at BAM! and 9am-noon every Friday at ECDC, 205 N. Barstow St. In honor of NaNoWriMo, Writers Anonymous will host meetings every Wednesday in November, 7-9pm at SHIFT. No registration is required for these write-ins; just join the group. Socialize with other writers, participate in word sprints and races, ask questions, and get encouragement at the Eau Claire regional NaNoWriMo online forum at nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-wisconsin-eau-claire. Other than buying a beverage to thank the host establishments, participating in NaNoWriMo is free. See the resources on the website to start prepping now, and you can be reading your own novel by Dec. 1.