As writers are well aware, we are in the throes of National Novel Writing (NaNoWriMo) mayhem. For those unfamiliar with the month-long event, NaNoWriMo challenges writers to complete the first draft of a novel by the end of November. Sound overwhelming? I definitely couldn’t commit. NaNoWriMo is not for the faint of heart.

Thankfully, we live in a literate city filled with many useful and inspiring writing organizations. If you’re interested in getting involved with NaNoWriMo, or if you simply want to attend compelling author readings and discussions, see below.

Richard Hugo House
Writers: On the first and third Mondays of every month, Hugo House holds “Works in Progress,” an open mic event where attendees can read their work, meet other writers and get involved with literary communities. Readings are held from 7-9 p.m., but writers are encouraged to come half an hour early to guarantee a slot. Hugo House is also offering 13 writing classes this month, including “Retrieving Your Sense of the World” and “Finding Your Genre.” To learn more or sign up, visit hugohouse.org/classes/course-catalog.
Book Lovers: Hugo House also caters to literature buffs. “The Cheap Series” features NW writers and every Seattleite’s dream: $1 wine and beer. Tonight is “Cheap Wine and Poetry,” showcasing Seattle poets and $1 Chuck Shaw wine. Another notable event this month is “Jonathan Lethem in Conversation with David Shields.” The New York Times best-selling writers will discuss current projects, and Lethem will read from an upcoming work involving the body and mortality.

Seattle Public Library
Writers: The Eulalie and Carlo Scandiuzzi Writers’ Room, located on Spiral 9 of the Central Library, provides writers with a convenient place to work and make use of the library’s collections. The Writer’s Room is available to writers currently under a book contract or who can demonstrate a serious commitment to using the library’s collection for a period of six months. Interested authors can apply here.
Book Lovers: Instead of reading during your lunch break, enjoy a story with fellow book lovers during “Thrilling Tales: A Storytime for Grown-Ups.” Two Mondays a month at noon you can escape from the everyday as readers share gripping short stories, curated to keep you on-edge. The next story, “The Words of Guru,” by C.M. Kornbluth, will be read on November 16 in the Microsoft Auditorium.

Elliott Bay Book Company
Book Lovers: Throughout the month of November, Elliott Bay is holding author readings that explore “This Maze of Being.” There are an average of 10 readings a week, with some notable (and ticketed) events with David Sedaris (11/15), Patti Smith (11/22), and Gloria Steinem (11/8). Tomorrow night, Elliott Bay is partnering with the Seattle Theatre Group to showcase the release of Carrie Brownstein’s new book, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir. The event takes place at the Neptune Theatre, and will include Brownstein in conversation with Maria Semple, the Seattle-based writer known for her novel, Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

Other NaNoWriMo get-togethers can be found on the organization’s website. There are daily write-ins throughout the Seattle area, so take a peek if you’re interested in getting involved.