NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, comes every November and gives writers the challenge of writing 50,000 words in 30 days.

NaNoWriMo starts Tuesday and Steinbach author Geralyn Wichers says to reach the word goal by November 30, 1,700 words have to be written daily which, she adds, can be a daunting task, but says there are tips to help a writer.

"I would make a plan about what I'm going to write and not leave that up to chance," notes Wichers adding whether or not to make a plan has been known to be controversial among authors. "I would prepare my family beforehand, that I might not be very available to them cause I'm busy, I'm holed up in my room writing, and I would connect with other authors to get some accountability."

Two years ago Wichers wrote a book entitled Cursed Seed which is now published and she says it's about an immortal man living in a real-world setting and he's bewildered by the fact that he doesn't age, as well as saddened because his wife, who is mortal, is dying of cancer.

"So, he's looking for answers and he ends up stumbling upon this secret society, or they find him, and unfortunately it lands him in a lot more trouble than he would have thought."

Wichers notes inspiration can come from anywhere.

"The opening scene of Cursed Seed, without giving too much away, the idea came from a Reader's Digest article I read when I was quite young. I guess it must have disturbed me quite a bit because it's recreated in the opening scene during this construction accident."

She says creating an outline and a loose chapter-by-chapter plan helps her picture how she wants the story to play out. Wichers notes, by connecting with other authors, they can also provide plot suggestions and character tips.

"Even been like, help, I don't know how this person should react in this scenario," she says. "Especially if I'm writing a male character, I sometimes have to go, okay, male writers, please tell me what they would do."

Authors can gather at the Jake Epp Library for write-in sessions on November 5,12,13, and 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and November 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.