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...