Tea&Sympathy, just to clarify: yes there are a lot of beginners, but there are a lot of published writers who challenge themselves to write in November as well. And some good novels have come out of NaNo. Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus is one, that I read recently and enjoyed. There are a lot of professional writers who show up to cheer everyone on. Even in the winter it's really like a big camp where everyone is on the same team. It's a competition with yourself. And yes, there are rules, but rebellion is also encouraged. It's really up to you. Anyway, I really liked it. It's not everyone's cup of tea.

I wish everyone who's participating good luck and have fun