NaNoWriMo 2024: Your Guide to National Novel Writing Month (and more)

For many years, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) has been synonymous with November writing challenges, inspiring participants to write 50,000 words for a new or existing novel within 30 days. However, after recent controversies with the NaNoWriMo organization, many writers are looking for alternative writing challenges.

This comprehensive guide will explore NaNoWriMo, its alternatives, and flexible approaches for different writing goals, so that every writer can find a November challenge that resonates with them.

Not NaNoWriMo: November Writing Challenges

With or without the NaNoWriMo organization, National Novel Writing Month can live on in whatever challenge you want to set for yourself. If you're interested in creating your own writing challenge, here's some ideas:

1. Set a personal word count goal: Choose a target that fits your schedule and project, whether it's more or less than the traditional 50,000 words.
2. Focus on a different writing format: Instead of a novel, you might work on short stories, poetry, or non-fiction projects.
3. Dedicate time to editing or revising: If you have an existing draft, use November to focus on refining your work.
4. Explore digital writing: Create a series of blog posts, develop an interactive fiction piece, or work on a screenplay.
5. Commit to a daily writing habit: Instead of a word count, aim to write for a set amount of time each day in November.
   

Remember, the goal is to make progress on your writing and develop good habits. Choose an approach that aligns with your current projects and writing aspirations.

Free November Writing Tracker: Google Spreadsheet

If you’re taking part in a November writing challenge, this tracker is a simple and helpful tool to keep you on track toward your word count goal. With spaces to log your daily word count, the tracker calculates how many words you still need to write to stay on target. You can track your overall progress as well as individual writing sessions.

The tracker is easy to use and updates automatically based on the dates and word counts you enter. Whether you’re aiming for 50,000 words or a personal goal, this tool helps you stay motivated and organized throughout your writing challenge.

Use the Writing Tracker Spreadsheet

What is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It started in 1999 with only 21 participants in the San Francisco Bay Area and has since grown immensely in popularity.

The original purpose of NaNoWriMo was to help writers get over their inner critic and just write freely without obsessing over editing and perfection. The deadline pressure of NaNoWriMo was meant to help writers to power through.

However you choose to challenge yourself this November, the goal should still be to help you move forward as a writer.

When is NaNoWriMo? 

NaNoWriMo traditionally takes place throughout the entire month of November, kicking off at midnight on November 1st and ending at 11:59pm on November 30th. This equals exactly 30 days to write 50,000 words.

However, if you're participating in an alternative challenge or setting your own goals, you can adjust this timeframe to suit your needs.

NaNoWriMo Rules

If you do still want to take part in the official NaNoWriMo, you need to sign up on their website and follow these basic rules:

1. Write at least 50,000 words by the November 30th deadline.

2. Only count writing done in the 30 days of November.

3. Write your novel yourself, without using a ghostwriter or collaborators.

4. Update your word count on the NaNoWriMo website to track your progress.

If you're choosing an alternative challenge or a more flexible approach, try this:

• Set your own word count or project goals.
• Adjust the timeframe if needed (e.g., starting mid-month or extending into December).
• Focus on editing or revising existing work if that aligns better with your current project.
• Use any tracking method that works for you, whether it's a spreadsheet, a writing app, or a simple notebook.
  

The best way to succeed during National Novel Writing Month is to create a writing plan and stick to it. So it’s best to plan ahead, follow a few tips, and dedicate enough time for your goals.

Tips to Help You Win NaNoWriMo

Regardless of which challenge you choose, here are some tips to help you succeed:

→ Outline your novel idea before November. Outline your plot, create your characters, and build your setting or world to allow the words to flow quicker.

→ Set a daily word count goal based on your schedule.

→ Calculate how many hours you need to write daily to hit your word count goal. Schedule writing sessions on your calendar and treat them like appointments. 

→ Tell friends and family you'll be busy this November with a writing challenge. Ask them to understand if you can't socialize as much.

→ Eliminate distractions and time wasters during your scheduled writing sessions to maximize productivity. Freedom is a great app to help you block online distractions.

→ Follow the "just write" mindset. Editing and revising can come later. Silence your inner critic for the month.

How Many Words to Write Per Day for a 50,000 Word Goal

To complete a 50,000 word draft in 30 days, the recommended daily word count is 1,667 words. However, this allows for no days off during the month of November, which might not be feasible for everyone.

Here is a breakdown of daily word counts based on how many days you can devote to writing:

• 30 days to write: 1,667 words per day 
• 25 days to write: 2,000 words per day
• 20 days to write: 2,500 words per day 
• 15 days to write: 3,334 words per day
• 10 days to write: 5,000 words per day

Ideally, aim for at least 2,000 words per day to have a buffer for busier days where you fall slightly short. Writing pace varies per person, but somewhere between 1,500-2,500 daily words is reasonable for most people. Time how long it takes you to write 500 words and use that to get a sense of how much time it will take you each day.

Even if you fall behind, just keep moving forward! Even 500 words a day is great progress to becoming an established writer and that’s the true goal behind national writing month, anyway.

Tracking Goals that aren’t Word Counts

Not everyone wants to write 50,000 words in November, but they still want to participate in national writing month. If you already have a manuscript that you want to revise, or you’d prefer to track time or page goals, you can.

Here's some suggestions for how you can translate other goals into word counts:

• Editing: Track the number of words on the pages you edit.
• Time: Use word count to track minutes. For example, say one minute equals 40 words. So if you write for 20 minutes, you’ve written 800 words.
• Pages: Take the average words per page of a manuscript (250) and multiply it by the number of pages you write. So if you write 5 pages, you’d track 1,250 words.

The Best Writing App for November Writing Challenges

While NaNoWriMo has its own website for tracking progress, you're free to use any writing app that suits your needs. Ultimately, the best writing app is the one that you’re going to love writing in.

If you want to try a new writing app, Motif is easy to use, online, and offers a 30 days free trial during National Novel Writing Month. We also make it easy to set and track word count progress on your manuscript and chapters. Sign up.

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NaNoWriMo FAQs

If you're new to participating in NaNoWriMo, you likely have plenty of questions about how it works. Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Can I participate in a November writing challenge if I'm not writing a novel?

Absolutely! While the traditional NaNoWriMo organization focuses on novel writing, there are many alternative challenges for different types of writing projects. Choose the one that best fits your goals, or create your own challenge.

How do I track my word count for November writing challenges?

If you are using the official NaNoWriMo site, you can track them in your account. However, we've also created a handy spreadsheet to help you track your words here.

Can I start November writing challenges in the middle of November?

Technically yes, but if you’re trying to hit 50,000 words and you haven’t written anything yet, you might find it difficult. If you’ve been writing that month already, you can backfill your progress.

You could also choose to set your own goals based on the time you have left, such as 20,000 words if you have 20 days left. Or you can set your own timeframe and writing goals entirely.

We hope this guide provides plenty of tips and motivation as you embark on your chosen November writing challenge. Remember, the most important thing is to make progress on your writing and develop good habits. Whether you're aiming for 50,000 words with NaNoWriMo or pursuing a different goal, stick to your plan, silence your inner editor, and let the words flow freely throughout the month. You've got this!