November library update
Nov. 1, 2025
For many years now, November has been dubbed "NANOWriMo" or National Novel Writing Month in an attempt to encourage writers of all ages to track and write 50,000 words ... the minimum amount needed to call a manuscript a novel.
So, this year, the Laney HS Library will be hosting a Novel Writing Month for any and all interested (staff included). From tracking, to story prompts to get you out of a writing rut, to brainstorming sessions, we'll do as much as we can do get you on your way to 50k. At the end of the month, those interested and with a complete manuscript, will be welcome to submit their work for editing. The goal of this month is to see if anyone has a novel in them waiting to burst forth, and then help you plan next steps should you desire to see it published. To sign up for NANO Writing Month at Laney, email Mrs. Simpson at eren.simpson@nhcs.net. Maybe your book could be the next one added to our collection!
Click here for a word tracker and helpful starting tips and tricks.
And make sure to sign up with Mrs. Simpson in order to get things like this all month long.
This month, members of the Laney Staff Book Club are reading "The First Witch of Boston." To join this month, or next, be sure to email Mrs. Simpson
Audio Books
There's nothing worse than a bad narrator when trying to enjoy an audio book, so here are some great ones I listened to recently that you may enjoy as well.
The Return by Rachel Harrison
Her Majesty's Royal Coven trilogy by Juno Dawson
Book and Dagger by Else Graham (non fiction)
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Most if not all of these should be available via the New Hanover Public Library Libby app, or even SORA.
Podcasts
Nothing helps me pass the time while working on an a project (like rearranging our non-fiction shelves) better than a podcast.
Some great ones I've listened to lately include:
Wicked Words: features interviews with authors who have written books on true-crime cases, historical mysteries, etc.
American Hysteria: A podcast that uncovers the 'hysteria' behind some of the biggest newsmakers in contemporary history: think the Satanic Panic, violence in video games, etc.
Southern Gothic: great ghost stories from the American South.
Arcane Carolinas: stories of cryptids and lore located in the Carolinas
You're Wrong About: An excellent podcast about historical events/moments/people that the press got wrong and setting the stories right.
Books
I always have too many books being read at the same time but here are the ones I've most recently finished that I would recommend to a friend :)
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong - it was a great read for spooky season.
Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson (she's the author of 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' and this one was equally a really good read.
The Man No One Believed by Joshua Sharpe (non fiction)