Are You Celebrating Mork Month?

If you were born after 1982, maybe you've never seen an episode of Mork & Mindy. Maybe you've never even heard of it and have no idea what I'm talking about. But surely you know Robin Williams, who became a household name when he was cast as Mork from the planet Ork in this hit science fiction television show. Mork coined some popular catch-phrases of the eighties, including Shazbut (an Orkan curse word), Kay-O (instead of OK) and Na-Nu, Na-Nu (his trademark greeting).

Call me weird, but every time I hear or see the phrase NaNo, I think of Mork and the whole finger spread-greeting thing, which I've never been able to master (see photo to left).

So my question for you is, Are you Mork-ing? In other words, are you NaNo-ing?

Of course, you writers know I'm referring to National Novel Writing Month, where thousands of aspiring novelists write their hearts out, trying to reach 50,000 words by midnight, November 30th. It's a huge deal, and I'm almost ashamed to say I've never taken on the challenge myself. Not that I don't want to, but November is not a good month for me. I prefer to utilize the ACFW NovelTrack, which takes place in January, April, July, and October. Much better months for me.

Anyway, in honor of National Novel Writing Month, and more specifically, National Author's Day (which was on November 1st), author and ACFW President Cynthia Ruchti has put together a list of 11 ways to celebrate this "holiday." So whether or not you're participating in Mork Month, these are great ways to encourage a fellow author and celebrate the business of novel writing!

1. Hug a bookshelf and thank the Lord for the authors who wrote so you could read.

2. Go to the author's publisher's website and leave a comment about a favorite book.

3. Write a note (the handwritten kind) to three favorite authors...and let them know you're praying for them.

4. Look at Christmas list. Cross off silly things. Substitute with books. Purchase immediately! :)

5. Enjoyed an author's book? Buy one for a friend...and let the author know why you did.

6. Moved by something an author DID in addition to what he/she wrote? Say so.

7. Stop in at your local bookstore just to say, "My favorite authors are..." and thank the retailer for stocking their books.

8. Spend some time alone with the Author and Finisher of our faith.

9. Tell an author, "I'm someone who knows it's a 'real' job. Thanks!"

10. Defy procrastination! Post a review in a prominent spot(s). Your fave author will be grateful you did!

11. Some author you know is fighting discouragement in writing, family, or career. Make a difference. Pray.


Cynthia Ruchti is the current president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), which she’s served in various volunteer capacities since shortly after she became a member in 2002. In her role as president of ACFW, Cynthia writes a monthly “From the President” column for ACFW’s Afictionado ezine. For two years she was one of four humor columnists for Afictionado’s“Let There Be Lite.” In 2007, she was the recipient of the ACFW Member Service Award. In 2008, Cynthia won second place for Women’s Fiction in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Contest. Visit Cynthia's website at: www.cynthiaruchti.com