Women's Thriller Writers

A community of writers building great stories

Write a Book in November

Write a Book in November!

You don’t have to be writing a thriller! Are you ready to put your writing journey on the top of your to do list? Join us for “Write a Book in November,” a transformative project led by me! I’m Sonja Dewing, an award-winning and best-selling author. This is your opportunity to turn your writing dreams into reality.

Create your own goal for the month and get a structured timeline to help you focus!

The combination of accountability, online write-ins, and guidance can contribute to increased productivity, helping you make significant progress on your book. Get that sense of accomplishment that comes from making your goals and boost your confidence as a writer!

Besides, don’t wait until the time is ‘perfect’! It will never be perfect, so do it now. Really!

Register by donating the amount of your choice!

Or free for WTWA members!

Join the WTWA here: https://womensthrillerwriters.com/be-creative-with-the-womens-thriller-writers-association/

What We Offer:

  1. Guidance from the Best: Learn from the best in the industry! Our project is spearheaded by a former National Novel Writing Month Liaison (a person who helps people write their book!) who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricacies of writing.
  2. Ask Your Book Writing Questions: At the beginning of each session, you’ll have time to ask your book writing questions, AND we’ll take breaks so you can ask questions as we go along.
  3. Online Meetups: Connect with fellow aspiring and published authors and engage in enlightening discussions during our online meetups/write-ins throughout November. Set dedicated writing time, participate in sprints, and witness your story unfold.
  4. In-Person Write-ins in Albuquerque: If you’re in the Albuquerque area, don’t miss the chance to join our in-person write-ins and our “Train” events, where we take the Railrunner and write on the way to Santa Fe. Immerse yourself in a focused writing environment, surrounded by like-minded individuals. It’s the perfect setting to enhance your productivity and make meaningful progress on your book.

Why November?

November is one of those quiet months (sort of). By the end of this month, you could be well on your way to completing that manuscript you’ve always dreamed of.

How to Get Started:

  1. Register for the Project: Donate the amount of your choice. Click [here] to begin your journey.
  2. Join the Community: Connect with fellow participants, share your goals, and be part of a supportive community that understands the challenges and joys of writing.
  3. Mark Your Calendar: Don’t miss out on the online meetups and write-ins. Mark your calendar with the dates and times (full schedule coming soon) provided in the upcoming emails, ensuring you make the most of this writing extravaganza.
  4. Get Ready to Write: Equip yourself with the tools and mindset needed for success. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, “Write a Book in February” welcomes all levels of experience.

Seize the opportunity to turn your literary dreams into a tangible masterpiece. Let November be the month your story comes to life. Join us on this incredible journey – because every writer deserves a chance to shine!

Your Facilitator

Hello! I’m Sonja Dewing. I’m an award-winning author of the Idol Maker series and other stories. I was a NaNoWriMo liaison for 3 years, I’m author of the book The Five Minute Author: How to Write a Novel, and I’ve helped hundreds of writers get through writing their stories. I hope you’ll join me and the other writers who’ve already jumped in on this project, and get working on that book!

That’s me, signing anthology books at Books on the Bosque.

Sonja Dewing signing books at an author event

Here’s what Tim from NaNoWriMo said after I ran a national write-in (back when NaNoWriMo was cool):

Register Now and Unleash Your Writing Potential!

I’m ready to make writing important!

Schedule –

Virtual Events

Sun, Nov 1: 9AM – 11AM 

Kickoff! 

Share your project premise, set goals, and do first-day sprints. What is a sprint? It’s a way to let your creativity lead the way. I’ll set a timer and you will type as fast as you can, and try not to go back to edit. The idea for writing any story is to keep writing and finish to the end. Then you can go back and edit once it’s complete.

Tuesdays, Nov 3 – Nov 24: 5 PM – 6 PM (Nov 10 is tentative since I’m at Author Nation!)

Join the WTWA meeting for writing time!

We’ll use our Women’s Thriller Writer’s Meetings in November for writing time.

Wed, Nov 4: 7 PM – 8 PM

Fresh Start Sprints. We will start off with some 15-minute word sprints with quick check-ins.

Sun, Nov 8: 3 PM – 5 PM

Stuck Support. Sprints plus a “stuck scene” clinic where everyone can trade ideas to get unstuck.

Sun, Nov 15: Noon – 1 PM

Character Interview Day. Sprints with prompts where writers answer questions as their characters.

Wed, Nov 18: 6 PM –  8 PM

Fix the saggy middle. We’ll talk about the saggy middle and share ideas on how to fix it. Then, sprints!

Sun, Nov 22: 8 AM – 2 PM

Marathon Write-In. Drop in and out for this lengthy write-in so we can get ahead before Thanksgiving.

Mon, Nov 23: 7 PM – 8 PM

Pre-Thanksgiving Power Hour. One focused hour.

Sat, Nov 28: Noon – 1 PM

Leftovers Write-In. A relaxed session for catching up on word count. And we know there are plenty of leftovers in the kitchen.

Mon, Nov 30: 7 PM – 8 PM

Finish Line Celebration. Final sprints, word count reveals, and wins shared.

Want more virtual events? Tell me what would work for you and I’ll add more to the calendar!

In-Person Events (Albuquerque, NM)

  1. Sun, Nov 1: 12 PM – 2 PM – Blackbird Coffee in Oldtown (my fav coffee shop)
    Kickoff Meetup.     We’ll chat about our projects and I’ll set some writing sprints.
  2. Sat, Nov 7: Come see me at Sage & Ink Festival in Rio Rancho.
    Not technically a write-in, but come chat with me if you need one-on-one input, ideas, prompts, etc.
  3. Sun, Nov 8: 12 PM – 2PM – The Girl’s Coffee House
    Let’s keep writing!
  4. No in-person meetings the week of 11/9 – I’m in Vegas for Author Nation. However, anyone can let me know if you’d like me to put an in-person meeting on this schedule for you to coordinate.
  5. Sat, Nov 21: 9 AM – 11 AM – The Open Space Visitor Center off of Coors
    Outdoor Inspiration Write-In.     We’ll tour the center, then see if inspiration strikes.
  6. Sat, Nov 28: 3 PM – 6 PM – My House
    Final In-Person Push & Potluck.     A long afternoon session at my house, with potluck snacks and a mini awards ceremony (most words, most improved, best dare completed). I’ll put together a pot luck list!
  7. Sun, Nov 29: 7:30 AM – 3 PM – The Rail Runner Train Trip
    I love crazy ideas – like taking the Rail Runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, enjoying a walk in holiday-decked-out, New Mexico-styled Santa Fe, and writing in a cool coffee shop.

Full Write a Book in November Schedule (In-Person and Virtual)

Sun, Nov 1

  • 9 AM – 11 AM (Virtual): Kickoff! Share your project premise, set goals, and do first-day sprints. A sprint is a timed, fast-typing session where you keep writing without going back to edit.
  • 12 PM – 2 PM (In-Person): Kickoff Meetup at Blackbird Coffee in Oldtown. Chat about projects and do some writing sprints.

Tue, Nov 3

  • 5 PM – 6 PM (Virtual): WTWA meeting for writing time. This repeats every Tuesday through Nov 24.

Wed, Nov 4

  • 7 PM – 8 PM (Virtual): Fresh Start Sprints. 15-minute word sprints with quick check-ins.

Sat, Nov 7

  • Time TBD (In-Person): Sage & Ink Festival in Rio Rancho. Not technically a write-in, but stop by for one-on-one input, ideas, and prompts.

Sun, Nov 8

  • 12 PM – 2 PM (In-Person): The Girl’s Coffee House. Let’s keep writing!
  • 3 PM – 5 PM (Virtual): Stuck Support. Sprints plus a “stuck scene” clinic to trade ideas.

Week of Nov 9: No in-person meetings (Author Nation in Vegas). Let me know if you’d like an in-person meeting added.

Tue, Nov 10

  • 5 PM – 6 PM (Virtual): WTWA writing time (tentative due to Author Nation).

Sun, Nov 15

  • Noon – 1 PM (Virtual): Character Interview Day. Sprints with prompts where you answer questions as your characters.

Tue, Nov 17

  • 5 PM – 6 PM (Virtual): WTWA writing time.

Wed, Nov 18

  • 6 PM – 8 PM (Virtual): Fix the Saggy Middle. Discussion and ideas, then sprints.

Sat, Nov 21

  • 9 AM – 11 AM (In-Person): Outdoor Inspiration Write-In at The Open Space Visitor Center off of Coors. Tour the center, then see if inspiration strikes.

Sun, Nov 22

  • 8 AM – 2 PM (Virtual): Marathon Write-In. Drop in and out to get ahead before Thanksgiving.

Mon, Nov 23

  • 7 PM – 8 PM (Virtual): Pre-Thanksgiving Power Hour. One focused hour.

Tue, Nov 24

  • 5 PM – 6 PM (Virtual): WTWA writing time (last one).

Sat, Nov 28

  • Noon – 1 PM (Virtual): Leftovers Write-In. A relaxed session for catching up on word count.
  • 3 PM – 6 PM (In-Person): Final In-Person Push & Potluck at the host’s house. Includes potluck snacks and a mini awards ceremony (most words, most improved, best dare completed). A potluck list is coming.

Sun, Nov 29:

  • 7:30 AM – 3 PM (In-Person): The Rail Runner Train Trip I love crazy ideas – like taking the Rail Runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, enjoying a walk in holiday-decked-out, New Mexico-styled Santa Fe, and writing in a cool coffee shop.

Mon, Nov 30

  • 7 PM – 8 PM (Virtual): Finish Line Celebration. Final sprints, word count reveals, and wins shared.

Want more virtual events? Let me know what would work for you and more can be added to the calendar.

Schedule for November 2026 coming soon!

On-line/Zoom write-ins (All events will also be scheduled on our Events Page, and emailed to you)

All times shown on this page are Mountain/Denver. You can also use the following page to figure out timezones: https://www.worldtimezone.com/time-usa12.php

Albuquerque in person write-ins (All events will also be scheduled on our Events Page, and emailed to you)

In person events will happen at my