I think I can answer at least the first question.
If you write an entire novel (or 50,000 words - some people don't finish their novel's in the time limit. ) in 30 days, and then edit it, get a cover, do the formatting, etc within 6 months (sounds easy, doesn't it? Just you wait . . ), you can submit it to a website and get a free proof copy - and then if you want, get as many more as you want (though for a price - it's not high, but it varies depending on the size of the book). It's really amazing to hold your book in your hand - it's totally professional.
And I believe the website is opening on the 10th.

So I think I'm going try it this year. I have almost no time (as I'm writing this post, I have ten minutes before I have to run ). But, I figure my busy schedule will make me cherish those times I get to sit down and write, so it will be somewhat of an escape rather than a chore. Anyway, I also have a whole week off for Thanksgiving this year, so I'll have a little extra time then. (Oh wait--I forgot I have to cook everything myself ).

My story is going to be a love story--of course. But I want to focus more on the artistry of words more than anything. I want each chapter to be similar to a poem, heavy with emotions and similes and either and upward spiral or downward spiral towards the end. I plan on ending it on a happy note, but I want to capture many internal struggles, such as insecurity and heartbreak.

So basically it won't necessarily be the best thing for readers, but I plan on writing it for myself. We'll see.

I think I can answer at least the first question.
If you write an entire novel (or 50,000 words - some people don't finish their novel's in the time limit. ) in 30 days, and then edit it, get a cover, do the formatting, etc within 6 months (sounds easy, doesn't it? Just you wait . . ), you can submit it to a website and get a free proof copy - and then if you want, get as many more as you want (though for a price - it's not high, but it varies depending on the size of the book). It's really amazing to hold your book in your hand - it's totally professional.

Will it be published? Or is it just a copy to own just for fun? Is anything legal involved (i.e. Do I have to make sure I own the copyrights to all the fonts, images, etc. in order to use them in the copy)? And once it's done, does my book have to stay like that permanently, no more editing ever again, copyrighted just the way it is, etc.? Or is it the type of thing you can submit however you like, receive the copy just for fun, and then edit and do whatever you like with it later?

~Riella

It's not an official published novel, no - though you can sell it on amazon. It's just a copy. Nothing legal involved. And no, when you get that free proof copy, you can pick out errors, change font, cover, whatever you want, re-submit it and get another one (though you'd have to pay).
Sorry if I'm being unclear.

Hello, all, I'm finally dropping in! I'm definitely not ready for the site to open. I currently have four novel ideas - three intrigue and one children's novel - and I have no idea which one to use! I have the characters planned for all of them, but no writing done for any of them, so no matter which I choose, I won't be a rebel. If anyone wants my plot lines to help me choose, PM me and I'll welcome the help! They're a little confusing though, so I'm not sure I can explain them well. Right now I'm leaning toward the children's novel, just because it would be easier, and I'd like to finally win, but the challenge of the others are enticing.

Anyone having trouble deciding what kind of POV to write their novel in? For me, that was one unexpected challenge last year; I kept switching back and forth from third to first person because I couldn't decide which was working best for the story. What a mess! That was an especially bizarre experience for me because I had never written a novel in first person before, and had never thought I ever would.

I love how NaNo encourages you to try new things with writing and pushes you out of your comfort zone in pursuit of creativity.

A large part of me would love to try first person again this year because I think the style of the story could work well with it, but since I have about four major characters who are rarely all together and all have stories that must be told, I'll probably end up doing third person as usual. Though I may go bonkers and try a mix of first person and third person from chapter to chapter, or possibly have a storyteller POV (one of the characters recounting/commenting on the adventures years after the fact) fading in and out of the story.

It would probably quickly dissolve into mass confusion, but ah well, there's nothing like NaNoWriMo for experimentation. I'll have to wait and see how madcap I'm feeling when November rolls around before I make any decision, I suppose. Would love to have a novel this year that actually makes a mite of sense, but knowing me. . . we'll see.

When will the site be reset, so I know when to post my novel info?

I believe it's slated to switch over on October 10th.

What is the Night of Writing Narnianly? I've heard both that and Word Wars mentioned quite frequently by you NaNo-ers; and, although I know what Word Wars is, I'm not quite sure what the Night of Writing Narnianly is.

This was Gymmie's announcement about it on last year's NaNoWriMo thread.

Rose: I'm doing 1st person this year - I think it's easier to write that way, and the writing is better, but I didn't do it this year, and I only just decided for this year. My sister did first person last year, switching between two people, and though it was a little confusing, I really like that idea - you should do it. It confused her too, though - she wrote on part where the person went to their room and cried - and it was a guy. xDD
Good luck on your decision making, Winterlife!!

My 2009 story was written exclusively in third person.

In 2010 I tried a variety of perspectives, as much of the story focused on developing and telling my characters' backstories. So while the main narrative was in third person, some chapters are told in first person (though I tried to be careful to clearly but subtly introduce those, both for my sake and the readers'. )

I ended up with bits told in first person by several different characters. This was fun; it gave me practice in writing each character's 'voice' differently. It wouldn't do for the little girl's narrative to sound just like her father's.

I write almost exclusively in third person. I wrote one story (which never got finished) in first person, diary style.

It's not an official published novel, no - though you can sell it on amazon. It's just a copy. Nothing legal involved. And no, when you get that free proof copy, you can pick out errors, change font, cover, whatever you want, re-submit it and get another one (though you'd have to pay).
Sorry if I'm being unclear.

It sounds awesome. So the first one is free? No strings attached?

I'd love to see what the finished product looks like. Did anyone post a picture of theirs?

~Riella

Yup, no strings attached.
I think I've seen several pictures posted on here, and I posted some (bad) one's myself on the Writers thread.

Anyone want to share outlines/feedback?

My 2007 version of "The State" was written in first person. I will say, though, that this year's version will be written by Third Person.

(There are no typos or other mistakes in that sentence. Explanation, for spoiler hounds:

And "The State of Mass Confusion" is written completely outline-free. The insanity is greater that way. Though that doesn't mean I don't have ideas for some of the episodes...

OK, this is kind of off topic but it is useful!

The other day, I was browsing the Technology forum and came across a thread advertising a noveling app called "A Novel Idea". It's available for free from iTunes for the iPhone, iTouch, and iPad. Here's what the description on iTunes says:

"A Novel Idea is the premiere plotting tool for plotting your story and recording bursts of inspiration. Use it's simple interface to create your characters, locations, scenes, and novels and then link them together to create your story's plot. Use the idea feature to quickly jot down your creative sparks, snap pictures, and link them to your story elements."

Anyway, I haven't used it that much but it looks pretty cool. I reccomend checking it out!

Hey y'all! Heads up, I'll be doing NaNo this year! Hopefully with more success than last year.

I have a few plot ideas and I think I know which one I'll be using. I'm currently working on figuring out the characters. (My favorite part.) The plot will hopefully follow. If not I'll hog-tie and drag the thing into my novel!