This is the title of a book I read last month: No Plot? No Problem! A Low-Stressed, High-Velocity Guide To Writing A Novel in 30 Days.

I had been checking books on writing on Amazon and when I saw this one I was instantly hypnotized. A slow writer myself (I could win the Nobel prize in the "Procastinating"category), I stared mesmerized at the title. In fact, I believe the words exerted a mystical power over me. I'm usually not the gullible type that falls for books promising miracles, but after reading the synopsis I found myself clicking on the "Add to cart" button.

When the book finally arrived--a little thing of 172 pages--I gobbled it up overnight.

Not only was this a thoroughly enjoyable read, but to my surprise I couldn't help thinking, "Hey, I can do this!"

I had never heard of the author, Chris Baty, nor of the great following that this guy has had since 1999. Baty is the founder of the literary marathon National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo), which takes place once a year. Currently with thousands of members from all over the world, it's hard to believe Baty started out with only twenty-one participants. Each year they take the challenge to produce a 50,000 word manuscript. Some make it, some don't, but one thing is for sure: It must be a thrilling ride, a test of endurance and determination, and in my mind not unlike the mystical road to Compostella, or climbing Mount Everest. The basic rules: 1,667 words per day, no re-reading, no editing allowed. Just spill your heart and brains out, while drinking plenty of caffeine to keep you going. There will be time for editing, expanding and polishing after the marathon. The important thing here is to finish the story in 30 days.

Some of the participants have produced illegible nightmares, while other have sold their manuscripts to major publishing houses. What a marvellous adventure! In the book Baty offers all sorts of advice to keep you going and avoid common pitfalls.