Olmstead of LaCrosse enters National Novel Writing event

LaCrosse author Lois Olmstead, who writes as L.A. Malby, wrote her recently published novel, "Return to Sugar Time" in 30 days.

"Well, let's say I got 50,000 words written to qualify," Olmstead said, referring to National Novel Writing Month, an online program that encourages participants to write a novel in the month of November.

"It's a challenge, and now I'm hooked and will begin another book for this year's NANOWRIMO," she said.

National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 with 21 participants. By 2010, more than 200,000 people signed up.

"Writing is lonely, but the encouragement and support I receive from the NANO website keeps me going," said Olmstead. "I enjoyed writing 'Return to Sugar Time', the continuing story of Amy Garett and her family readers first met in 'Sugar Time'."

The novel is available from the publisher, Booklocker.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or from the author.

Olmstead's future writing plans will begin today, Nov. 1, as she plans to submit at least 50,000 words of "Shadows Over Sugar Time" for National Novel Writing Month. She plans to publish it in 2019.