A Short on Time Short Story Contest: Inspiring Creativity in the Library

This chapter is a case study on the impact of a NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) a short story writing event and contest in an academic library setting. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is an international event which takes place in the month of November. During NaNoWriMo Participants from around the world attempt to write 50,000 words in 30 days with the end product being a first rough draft of a novel. Many famous authors even participate in this challenge such as Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus, and Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants.

This chapter focuses on the evolution of the NaNoWriMo Short Story writing event and contest at the John C. Hodges Library on the campus of the University of Tennessee Knoxville over 3 academic years. This chapter discusses the creation of the program, partnership development as well as future plans for development.