Oh No, No NaNoWriMo
Alternative places that might work for you
It likely comes as no surprise to those who keep up to date with this matters that NaNoWriMo will be shutting down.
https://gizmodo.com/longtime-writing-community-nanowrimo-shuts-down-after-ai-drama-2000583619
I am not a novelist but I did dip my toe into its waters several times. I even won once. That was actually NaPoWriMo I’m sure you won’t be shocked to learn. A poem a day being more my thing than 50k.
I may not be crying over my keyboard but the community and accountability of NaNoWriMo made it a well established part of the writers writing year. Countless novels started their life with a sign up to the site. Many a friendship was forged as a result of participation.
If you want to read some info on some options read on. There are lots of options and I couldn’t list them all here. Feel free to jump to the section you want if my post is too long for you.
I have included - The ones I know, The um sort of one, (which I know a bit about) Now into the unknown, (ones I have only read about) Links (Lists of options which include the ones I’ve mentioned and more)
You may want to try a few out.
If you want the whole enchilada of what I could find I have added links at the end so you can get more options and more information.
What Now?
If you are bereft and wandering where is there to wander to -
I have experience of some of them
The ones I know
Meetings are online or in person. Locations are international and there are numerous options every day. Numbers are limited and can vary depending on host. The idea is you well, shut up and write.
I did this regularly for a while and the accountability helped me enormously. If you attend the same time each week you are often with the same people and it can be (and I think is likely intended to be) a chance to build community. You are aware in advance (when you book) who the host is (some run multiple sessions) and the size of the group so you can decide what works for you. I like the flexibility of being able to book whatever session(s) you can do which helps if you don’t have a set schedule to work with. My experience was online only so I’m unsure how that works in person.
A variety of online and in person events and courses including retreats some of which are free. The paid ones are affordable. They run all year round and the courses cover a lot of areas writing wise. I’ve done a few courses and a couple of online retreats and they are useful. Well worth a look and a free membership.
The um sort of one
When I looked at the site I have a name so I appear to have made an account. That’s as far as it went though. Someone I know did use it (not sure if they still do) and told me about it. It’s a game based platform and comes with a discord and you can quest with others by forming a group. There are free and paid options.
Now into the unknown
This feels a bit NaNo esk from what I’ve seen of the site.
You set goals and connect with people who see how you’re doing and you cheer each other on. Its in beta testing mode atm so things may change along the way.
If you’re a seasoned NaNoWriMoer it might be your jam.
https://www.novlr.org/the-reading-room
This is another WIP site. Its the worlds only writer writer owned creative writing platform. It feels a bit WHQy with lots of options. Depends what you’re looking for.
https://www.autocrit.com/novel-90-writing-challenge/
Lots of stuff going on here. The idea is you write your novel in the less pressured 90 days rather than the crazy hold my life 30. Free and paid options.
https://pathfinderswritingcollective.com/
Challenges throughout the year and a discord with various options. They aim to be inclusive and have something for everyone.
A free app to track whatever writing goal you want to track.
The whole enchilada
My suggestion for what it’s worth is to work out what you need/want and what you will miss from NaNoWriMo - and then see what options might fill that role for you.
Is it word tracking, goal motivation, a sense of community or some combination or something else entirely?
Links
I got my list above from
https://openbookeditor.com/2024/10/24/5-great-writing-challenge-alternatives-to-nanowrimo/
https://medium.com/illumination/nanowrimo-alternatives-bcab90d8c512
You can find some of the ones I mentioned and more besides from
https://gretaham.blog/2024/09/12/alternatives-to-nanowrimo/
https://rmarcher.com/2020/09/nanowrimo-alternatives-word-count-tracker-community/
https://hnossproofreads.co.uk/17-alternatives-to-nanowrimo-to-help-you-write-more/
Some of these posts, given their age, may include options that are no longer available. I have only checked the ones I mentioned.
Good luck and happy writing.
Great and interesting post, Lily. Thanks for this. I may poop over into one or two and check them out. Never have done such things. Yet.
For members of Writing.com, their NaNo community is very supportive. It's easy to become a free member and there are also a few levels of paid memberships as well, offering upgraded site features.