A Nonfiction Online Challenge is Here!

By Pat Miller

If you write picture books, you may have participated in StoryStorm, an online challenge for writers in January. For longer fiction, one can participate in the National Novel Writing Month challenge in November. And if you write poetry, there’s NaPoWriMo in April.

But there is no online monthly challenge for nonfiction writers. I mentioned this unfortunate gap to my friends in the Nonfiction Chicks.

Lisa Amstutz, Stephanie Bearce, Nancy Churnin, Susie Kralovansky, Linda Skeers, Peggy Thomas, and I are passionate about children’s nonfiction. Between us we’ve published 220 true books. “Why don’t WE host a month long online NF challenge?” we asked.

And that’s how NF Fest was born! February will now be the month for true book writers to enjoy a challenge of our own. We asked dozens of experienced, talented nonfiction writers to join us in inspiring, educating, and supporting those who write true books. They were quick to join us.

Here’s how NF Fest works. You register for the challenge between January 15-31. This will make you eligible for prizes.

You will receive a 35 day “calendar” of nonfiction-related activities. You will do one each day in February. These are brief and designed to help you develop or improve your research and nonfiction writing skills.

In addition, there will be a helpful post each day in February. Comment on each. That is how we can build community (and randomly choose prize winners.)

Our lineup includes science writer Melissa Stewart, history writer Candace Fleming, biographer Lesa Cline Ransome, and 25 other authors. Prizes include autographed books, critiques, and more.

You’re invited to join the Nonfiction Chicks in celebrating Leap Year’s February with the inaugural NF Fest. To receive reminders and updates, join our Facebook group,  "Nonfiction Fest."

We can't wait to see you at NF Fest!

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