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Novel November

Write 50,000 words in 30 days
Novel November

The Goal:

Write a full, completed draft of a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. No editing, no second guessing, no hesitation. Just write!

Why?

  • build good writing habits
  • practise writing all parts of a novel
  • finally get your story down on paper

Brainstorming Prompt:

List 3 things that cause loss or grief. Write characters that have experienced each, and then write a group therapy scene. 

See more

What's Novel November?

History:

Previously, 'National Novel Writing Month' (NaNoWriMo) was a world-wide writing challenge run by a non-profit organisation. The official website and forums shut down in March 2025, but the challenge lives on.

The Challenge:

  • 50,000 words
  • 30 days, starting November 1st
  • A full, completed draft of a new novel
  • No editing, no second guessing, no hesitation.

What's the 80 Hour Edit?

Premise:

If you wrote a novel this November, then you might want to spend some time editing in the new year.

Fix the major plotholes, rename the main character, and reduce the typos to a respectable number.

The Challenge:

  • 80 hours
  • 60 days, starting January 1st
  • Be focused. Be ruthless. Get it ready for the world.

What's the Mid-Year Novelette?

Premise:

November doesn't work for you? 50,000 words isn't the right target? Just want to write more?

The Mid-Year Novelette is a more flexible, less intense alternative to the main writing challenge. The default word target is set at 15K, but choose whatever works for you.

The Challenge:

  • 15,000 words (or whatever)
  • 31 days, starting July 1st

Get Started

Track

Track your progress each day.

Set Goals

Aim for 50,000 words in November, or create a custom goal.

Earn Awards

Celebrate the little wins with trophies along the way.

Socialise

When you're done writing for the day, come hang out in the forums 🤗

Featured Project: Chapter 1

She gave it her- Gave it her all to forget, Forget a past steeped in sorrow, But her mind held on. Her nightmares, They never slept, They dragged her back each night, To the blood that soaked her skin, To the screams, the silence, And the strange pleasure she had gotten. It all fell apart, The day they came, The day they claimed everything. September 16th 1870- A day carved into her bones, Her world shattered, Her soul scattered like ash, Her heart no longer beats for peace. She wanted blood, She wanted vengeance, And she would not rest, Until the river ran red, With what they owned her.

Sitemap

  • Forum

    A place to chat, share your progress, or ask for help from other writers.

  • Code of conduct

    Know the rules, follow the rules!

  • About

    The team and technology behind novel-november.com

  • FAQ

    Still have questions? Check here first.

  • Tools

    Widgets to support your writing journey.

  • Analytics

    Challenge outcomes: see how much we wrote and what badges we earned!