This November marks the first Novel Writing Month since the official NaNoWriMo organization shut down. If you’re looking to join a new writing challenge, check out the following websites. Every challenge listed is completely free to join and offers tons of writing resources and online community events throughout November.
Novel November from ProWritingAid
The Novel November challenge follows the traditional format of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. ProWritingAid offers:
- Word count tracking in whichever writing software you prefer
- Free live sessions with best-selling authors
- Daily writing sprints and networking events
- Planning workshops in October and resources for editing, publishing, and marketing in December
- Badges and rewards for hitting goals
Novel 90 from AutoCrit
Struggle to complete 50,000 words in just 30 days? The Novel 90 challenge expands the time limit to 90 days, beginning October 1st and ending December 31st. AutoCrit offers:
- Teams based on planning style, led by a best-selling author with the same style
- Live events, writing sprints, and daily motivational emails
- Closing prize draw for all registrants, as well as special prizes for challenge finishers
NovelEmber from World Anvil
World Anvil is best known for their worldbuilding tools. This year, they are offering a self-reported writing challenge of 50,000 words in 30 days. World Anvil offers:
- A dedicated channel in the World Anvil Discord server
- Weekly Twitch streams on Fridays
- Writing tips and guides on World Anvil social media
- A badge and certificate for finishers
The PaWriCo Challenge from Pathfinders Writing Collective
The PaWriCo Challenge runs for 90 days from November 1st to January 31st. Pathfinders offers:
- Completely customizable goal, from word count to time limit
- Community events through Pathfinders Writing Collective Discord server
- Goal tracking through the free TrackBear app
Need inspiration for your new novel? During the month of November, look for the “Published NaNoWriMos” displays at all three branches.