National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

• Nov 14, 2025
• 5 min read

• Tags: Novel, Novel Writing, Writers

The idea of writing a novel is often a long-held dream, but staring at that blank page can be terrifying. What if there was a community-driven, month-long sprint designed to crush writer’s block and get that first draft finished? Enter National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short.

What is NaNoWriMo?

The National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is essentially a 30-day challenge held in November where participants commit to writing a 50,000-word manuscript of a novel.

NaNoWriMo is a massive, international creative writing event that takes place every year. It’s not about writing the perfect book; it’s about letting your creativity flow, silencing your inner critic, and simply getting words on the page.

NaNoWriMo is both a global event and an online community that brings writers of all ages and experience levels together. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or just testing your storytelling skills, it’s a fun, supportive way to make writing a daily habit.

History of NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo began in July 1999, founded by Chris Baty and a small group of friends in the San Francisco Bay Area. What started as a quirky local experiment has now become a worldwide writing phenomenon with hundreds of thousands of participants each year.

By 2000, the event moved to November (a month considered perfect for writing indoors), and since then, it has grown into a massive creative movement that celebrates the joy of storytelling.

What does National Novel Writing Month mean for writers?

For many writers, NaNoWriMo is more than just a challenge; it’s a creative reset. It encourages you to stop overthinking and just write. The 50,000-word target pushes participants to focus on progress rather than perfection.

It’s also a chance to build discipline, discover your voice, and connect with a community of fellow writers who cheer each other on through “write-ins,” virtual events, and online forums.

What is the purpose of NaNoWriMo?

The main purpose of NaNoWriMo is to motivate people to write, not to worry about publishing or editing, but to simply finish a first draft. The event proves that anyone can write a novel if they dedicate time and consistency to it.

It also aims to make creative writing accessible, providing free tools, workshops, and community support to writers of all backgrounds. Many successful books like Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern began as NaNoWriMo projects!

NaNoWriMo 2025

• The nonprofit organisation behind NaNoWriMo announced in early April 2025 that it will shut down due to persistent financial struggles and reputational issues.
• The issues cited include declining participation, major budget shortfalls, and controversies over moderation and its stance on AI in writing.
• Despite the closure of the organisation, the idea of a November writing challenge lives on: other groups are stepping in to fill the gap.

How to participate in National Novel Writing Month

Since the original NaNoWriMo organisation is no longer functioning, writers can no longer rely on its official platform (forums, word-tracking, etc) to participate.

A new event called Novel November is being launched by ProWritingAid in 2025. It mirrors the traditional 50,000-word goal for the month of November and offers its own support and community.

PaperTrue has its own writing contest in November 2025, where writers need to submit 30,000 words. Writers can set a goal of reaching the word target, and one winning writer will get their manuscript edited by experts for free.

Writing tips for NaNoWriMo 

• Set Your Goals: The classic challenge is 50,000 words, but you can customize your goal.
• Write Daily: Aim for around 1,667 words a day to stay on track.
• Join the Community: Participate in forums, local groups, and virtual write-ins for motivation.
• Celebrate Your Win!: Even if you don’t hit 50K, completing any part of your story is a huge achievement.

National Novel Writing Month is more than just a writing challenge; it’s a celebration of creativity, persistence, and storytelling. Whether you dream of publishing a novel or just want to prove you can finish one, NaNoWriMo gives you the perfect reason to start typing.

So, grab your laptop, clear your calendar, and let November be the month your story finally begins!

PaperTrue’s self-publishing services are always here waiting to help you publish your manuscripts into masterpieces and make your author dream come true!

Here are some more useful resources for you:

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.