I tried NANOWRIMO for the first time this November, even though I knew November is always one of my busiest months. It came as no surprise to me that I didn’t win, although I have several thousand words that I didn’t have when the month began, and a good start on a novel that I’ve been thinking about for a few years. Despite “losing,” I liked the idea of knowing several friends — and a few thousand strangers — were working on the same project at the same time. (Five of my friends did win.)

Here’s a similar concept — Book in a Week. Instead of binge writing for a month, this group tries to get as much written as possible in one week. But they do it every month of the year. Take a look at the welcome blog.

Unlike NANO, which is free to participants, BIW asks a $3 membership fee.