In addition to being the start of National Novel Writing Month, November 1 has additional significance for American writers: it’s National Author’s Day! Here is some of the history, as supplied by NationalDayCalendar.com:
The idea of setting aside a day to celebrate American authors came from Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, president of the Bement (Illinois) Women’s Club in 1928. McPherson was a teacher and an avid reader throughout her life. During World War I, when she was recuperating in a hospital, she wrote a fan letter to fiction writer Irving Bacheller, telling him how much she had enjoyed his story, “Eben Holden’s Last Day A’Fishin.” Bacheller sent her an autographed copy of another story, and McPherson realized that she could never adequately thank him for his gift. Instead, she showed her appreciation by submitting an idea for a National Author’s Day to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, which passed a resolution setting aside November 1 as a day to honor American writers. In 1949 the day was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
If you follow the link, you can also read about how you can observe this holiday and support your favorite authors!
I may not be a “real” author – as my in-laws remind me so often, since I’ve only self-published one novel, and it was a fan fiction novel, at that – but I like to think that this day can at least sort of be for me, as well, since writing is such an integral part of my life. I’m also lucky to know personally so many talented published authors and aspiring-to-be-published authors, and I wanted to give a little shout-out to them. If you’ve got a moment, check out their blogs to read about their journeys, and, while you’re there, give them a comment or even click on one of their books to purchase!
Kate Johnston @ 4amwriter.com : writer, coach, editor with several handbooks to guide you in your writing journey
Kourtney Heintz @ kourtneyheintz.com : author of The Six Train to Wisconsin, The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts, and the brand new Highway Thirteen to Manhattan!
Vanessa Chapman @ vanessa-chapman.com : writer with multiple skilful blogs and several articles (at lifehack!) to read
JM McDowell @ jmmcdowell.com : writer (and archaeologist!) of the delightful Meghan Bode series of mysteries, which you can read on her blog
George McNeese @ Project Blacklight : writer with several articles, reviews, and even short stories to share
ShadeTheRaven @ Shade The Raven : writer with lots of short stories to fill your days
Make sure to send a little bit of love to YOUR favorite author, today!
I’m honored to make your list of recommended blogs. Thank you.
You’re very welcome! Hope you are enjoying writing today!
It’s been difficult. As far as journaling goes, it’s been good. Trying to write something every day. As far as stories, that’s something else. I’m working on a new story. I have a title and a prompt, but the storyline isn’t working out. At the same time, there’s one storyline speaking to me. I want to go with it; I’m just not sure how to tackle it.
Gosh–how did I not know it is National Author’s Day? I’m always looking for a reason to party, and you’re telling me I missed it??? Ack. Wait, I do have a bit of wine left . . . cheers, Mayumi, because you’re an author too! 🙂
Thank you so much for the mention. I cringe every time you write about how your in-laws don’t think of you as a real author. I have endured that same prejudice (still do), and I find it maddening. They are missing out on a gem of a storyteller, that’s all I can say.
First and foremost, a toast to you and all the writing you have done! As long as you call yourself an author and artist, then that’s what you are. And that’s certainly what I think you are.
Secondly, I’m honored to have been given a nod by you, it means a lot to me 🙂 No matter what, you have been my constant reader, and that has been appreciated.
Happy Author’s Day, and NaNo kickoff!
It’s daunting to look at a page and not know where to start. For me personally, I grab onto that spark and see where it goes. Sometimes, I can build something bigger, but it’s okay if it doesn’t go anywhere; I can always use it later.
Good luck!
I did wonder if the original NaNo group decided on November for this reason, but it is a very international effort, so maybe it’s just coincidence. Either way, it’s cool that authors get two events in November. 🙂
Yeah, some parts of my real life kind of suck… Someday, I’ll show ’em! Luckily, my characters keep banging on the walls of my head to get their stories put down on paper, and that keeps me writing. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck with your NaNo rebellion!
Thanks, shade! Your short stories have always made me think and many times have been cause for inspiration, so I wouldn’t dream of leaving you off my list of authors to follow! I have always felt very blessed that you’ve taken time out of your busy schedule to read my stuff, as well – so much of it, too! I still look back through your notes about Fearless and 1MC! when I need to remind myself that there are readers out there who care. <3 Thank you for that!
Happy National Author's Day to you, too! Because every day is a kind of Author's Day when we're writers. And, are you doing NaNo?
Yay, I can inspire!
I’m happy I could be such a help with Fearless and 1MC, both are fantastic stories and deserve to be read by more people. And now, with From Hell, Finding Mister Wright and The Highs and Lows and Inbetweens really seeming to take off in their own right, I can only hope those new readers you attract will snoop through your archives to see where it all started.
I did give NaNo some serious thought earlier this year, since this is the most routine everything has been in a while. I think if I do get something submitted, it will be rebel-style like you said. Probably not making the 50k word count, but something at least.
Best of luck to your project!
You absolutely do inspire! In fact, your latest writings have really kicked me in the pants, to pay more attention to emotion in my own work.
I’m torn over whether I’d want newer readers to look at my older stuff. On the one hand, the stories that are still up are those for which I have a lingering soft spot. But, on the other, they are so RAW…! 😀
Yes! Be a rebel with us! There is a lot less pressure. And, no conformity! 🙂