NASSAU, Bahamas -- Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes accepts from former Senior Government Official and Diplomat, Dr. Davidson Hepburn, a copy of his book "The Short Happy Life" October 19.

The presentation was made during a courtesy call at Government House.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

NASSAU, Bahamas -- National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is taking The Bahamas by storm! NaNoWriMo is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing beginning on November 1. The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. It is the ultimate challenge for writers, wannabe writers, students, and people who love to try new things. By writing 1,667 words every day for 30 days, you will have 50,000 words and win the challenge!

The first NaNoWriMo in 1999 has 21 participants. In 2000, there were 150 participants. 2011 saw 256,618 participants from all over the world writing over 3 billion words!

The Bahamas' Municipal Liaison, Alicia Wallace, will be there to encourage you, motivate you, offer help, and cheer you on. She is a three time participant and winner of this global challenge. Events planned begin with the Kick Off Party at Marco's Pizza in the Southwest Plaza (Nassau) on October 27 at 6pm. There will be weekly write-ins on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons for participants to get together and write, write, write.

For participants outside of Nassau and unable to attend in-person events, Alicia will host live-on-twitter events. Games will be played including the ever-popular word wars (timed races to write the most words), and there are great prizes to be won, including a hand and arm massage by Sakura Spa.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Renewal the Hon. Philip "Brave" Davis accepts a book from author, Julian Pedican, October 1 at the Ministry of Works and Urban Renewal.

The title of the book is PROGRESS, Answers and Solutions for a more Progressive Bahamas.

(BIS Photo / Raymond A. Bethel)

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Author Yvette Bethel (centre) presents two of her books to Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald during a courtesy call September 24, at the Ministry of Education. The books are E.Q. LIBRIUM and GETTING TO E.Q. LIBRIUM.

It is said that the books will unleash the power of emotional intelligence. Also pictured (right) is Shanell Carroll of Sageeden International Media Group.

(BIS Photo / Raymond A. Bethel)