November is National Novel Writing Month. The challenge is to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

The University of Toledo Carlson Library is hosting writing sessions all month to help inspire writers. Plus, a young adult author will lead a writing workshop and book signing Tuesday, Nov. 6.

“If you put work on a page, you are a writer,” said Leslie Welch, dispelling the notion of an aspiring writer.

Welch, who plans to share insights and provide encouragement, is the author of the acclaimed debut novel “The Goodbyes.” The 2016 book is about unrequited love that inspires a musician to stardom — and the power of goodbye.

She will sign books at the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore from noon to 2 p.m.

Following the book signing, Welch will conduct a writing working workshop in Carlson Library Room 2024 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on “How to Draft Your Novel.” She will discuss starting a log line, building a plot, creating memorable characters, developing a platform, and finishing your first draft.

The book signing and workshop are part of the University’s involvement in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

“NaNoWriMo is a fantastic resource for all writers because you have to make a lot of compromises to get it done, and it forces you into a creative state you couldn’t otherwise access with unlimited time,” said Welch, who has participated in the event the past 13 years.

“‘The Goodbyes’ was written on NaNoWriMo,” she continued, “and I was 10,000 words short on the last day. I sat in Panera Bread for 10 hours, my butt was numb, my hands were sore, but I finished that book. If I can do it, you can, too.”

Welch was born in Toledo and moved to Philadelphia in her preteen years. She graduated from Penn State and resides in the Washington, D.C., area.

She offered advice for authors hailing from the Toledo area: “Write what you know. I know you think your setting is boring; it isn’t. It will feel real if you write from your daily experience in the Midwest.”

More information about NaNoWriMo and Welch’s visit can be found at libguides.utoledo.edu/nanowrimo.