NaNo 101: The Basics for First-Time Wrimos

What is NaNoWriMo?

If you’re reading this, it means this is your first time doing something called NaNu—NaNa—what was it again? Your book-loving friend mentioned it last week, and it had something to do with November.

That’s it—National Novel Writing Month! It’s also known as NaNoWriMo (we’ll get the pronunciation down later).

National Novel Writing Month is a yearly event where you challenge yourself to write 50,000 words in 30 days. That comes out to about 1,667 words a day, which scientists have determined to be the perfect amount to boost your creativity. It all starts in the wee hours of November 1st (at 12:00:01 a.m., to be precise!) and continues until the final seconds of November 30th (at 11:59:59 p.m.).

Novelists from all around the world come together online (and often in person) to share their daily progress, take on writing dares, race each other in word sprints, and cheer each other on! By the time December 1st rolls around, you’ll have created something you may once have thought impossible: a draft of your very own novel (or, at least, part of one).

How do I do NaNoWriMo?

Getting started is easier than… well, coming up with a suitable metaphor! All you need is a profile and an idea! The idea part isn’t even that necessary—many Wrimos write their novels without any outline or plan in mind (they’re called “pantsers,” and they’re everywhere).

Create your profile  so your fellow Wrimos can connect and cheer you on!
Create your novel  as early as September (you can change it later). Give it a title and you’re good to go!
Choose a home region  so you can learn about local events from your volunteer Municipal Liaison and writers in your area!
Earn badges  by reaching milestones throughout the month!
Get inspired  with pep talks, blog posts, and other resources to help you on your journey to writing superstardom.
Update your word count every day on the NaNoWriMo website and watch your novel climb to the finish line!
Claim your win by validating your novel starting on November 20th and through the end of the month. There’s no cash prize, but you get an awesome certificate (plus bragging rights, special sponsor goody rewards, and your very own novel !) What are some tips for winning NaNoWriMo?  

If this all sounds pretty daunting, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Luckily, the NaNoWriMo community is full of writers happy to share their wisdom and tips for roaring through November in style. Here’s a few tidbits of advice from a recent Twitter thread:

Now go—stock up on coffee, pencils, and comfy sweaters—and write that novel! We’ll be here to help you along the way throughout November and beyond.