In November, about 20 Uni students participated in National Novel Writing Month, affectionately known as NaNoWriMo. The goal: to write a 50,000-word novel or other creative work by the end of the month. Worldwide about 167,000 people gave it a shot; about 32,000 succeeded. Check inside to learn about the seven Uni students who reached the goal.

It's December, and this year's NaNoWriMo has come to a close. The days of frantic writing are over, and we all deserve a break. The question now is what to do with the 50,000 words you've spent the last 30 days fretting about. Here are six things you can do to help your novel live up to its full potential.

Having trouble keeping up with the pace for National Novel Writing Month? Katy Metcalf has a message for you: Everyone has all sorts of homework and sports and plays and other fantastical things that you spend 25 hours a day doing. There's never enough time, so make time! Check inside for her tips on doing just that.

"Though I'm still a bit behind on my word count, I don't really think that finishing the novel is the most important part of NaNoWriMo, at least not for me," writes Stephanie Overmier. "Every writer I've talked to says that one of the best things you can do to improve your writing skill is to write every day, and that writing is a habit that you have to get into."

"So, now National Novel Writing Month has officially begun, and we've kicked off with a bang," writes Katy Metcalf. "Or, at least, a passably loud squeak. There are tons and tons and tons of Uni students participating, which I am thrilled about, including our nine-member support group. And, so far, no one's dropped out. So, thus far, everything is going well."

[Updated with audio] Why wait any longer to write that novel you've had percolating in the back of your mind? Do it now! National Novel Writing month begins this weekend, and it offers the perfect excuse to take time out of your busy schedule to flex your literary muscles. The challenge: Write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. Check inside to meet four current Uni students who accomplished that feat last year.