5 Bestsellers That Started in NaNoWriMo

At this moment, writers everywhere are deeply entrenched in the painstaking yet highly rewarding monthlong annual event that is National Novel Writing Month. Known as NaNoWriMo, the event encourages participants to write a 50,000-word novel.

Sounds like a lot, but it can be done. Need proof? Here are five bestsellers that you may be surprised to know were first drafted during NaNoWriMo.

Water for Elephants: This Depression-era novel is told from the point of view of Jacob, who walks out on an Ivy League education after the sudden loss of his parents. He soon discovers love and a penchant for animal care in the least likely of places.

Cinder: This futuristic version of the classic tale reimagines the story of Cinderella. Cinder is a teen mechanic and cyborg with unusual talents and even more unusual origins in this not-to-be-missed first installment of the Lunar Chronicles series.

Fangirl: This beautiful coming-of-age story features Cath, a fanfiction author, in her first year of college. Finding it difficult to navigate her own life, Cath finds that life is not as simple as it once was.

The Night Circus: Celia and Marco have been trained since childhood to duel as magicians in a circus only open at night. They weren’t, however, trained for falling in love and the deadly consequences that follow.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth: Mary’s world is suddenly turned upside down when her village is overrun by the undead. Searching for safety in the most grueling of circumstances, Mary must learn to survive and retain her humanity in the process.

For more on NaNoWriMo, take a look at our NaNoWriMo: Writers on Writing list.

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? Do you have a favorite NaNoWriMo novel?