What’s Next for Novel-Writing Month?
- Katie Zeliger
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Every November for years, writers around the world have circled their calendars, cleared their desks, and made a pact with their inner selves: “This month, I’ll write a novel.” That tradition has been largely carried by one banner event — but the landscape is shifting. If you’ve participated, watched from the sidelines, or always meant to dive in, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what was, what changed, and what now lies ahead.
What was NaNoWriMo?
The acronym stands for National Novel Writing Month. Founded informally in 1999, it grew into a nonprofit by 2006 and became a rallying cry for writers aiming to draft ~50,000 words of fiction in the 30 days of November. The idea was simple and exhilarating: start a novel, commit to a word-count goal (often ~1,667 words/day on average), and join a global cohort of fellow writers cheering each other on.
At its height, tens of thousands signed up every year. For many, NaNoWriMo offered structure, community, momentum — a rare burst of creative energy with a fixed month to channel it into.
Why did NaNoWriMo close down?
In April 2025 the Guardian reported that the NaNoWriMo organisation announced its imminent closure after 20 years. The notice cited a combination of financial strain and reputational damage. Among the issues:
The organisation faced serious child-safety concerns: in 2023, complaints were raised about a forum moderator and associated handling of those complaints.
It also became embroiled in a controversial stance on the use of artificial intelligence in creative writing. The organisation’s public commentary — suggesting that “not all brains have same abilities… the wealth of reasons why individuals can’t ‘see’ the issues in their writing without help” — was criticised as “ableist”.
With these issues, trust and participation declined and the organisation said the closure “will cause no small amount of grief.”
They noted, however, “We hold no belief that people will stop writing 50,000 words in November.”
In short: the framework wasn’t failing because the idea was bad — it was failing because the institution behind it lost its footing. For many writers this leaves a vacuum: the monthly “write with a pack” event is no longer anchored in the way it once was.
So, what can writers do instead?
If you’re still hungry for a November novel-writing sprint (or a fresh spin on it), here are three alternatives that are worth considering — each with its own flavour, audience and promise.
A free 30-day writing challenge hosted by ProWritingAid, designed to help you hit ~50,000 words in November, with prep in October and then a finish-line push in December.
What works:
Offers strong structure: daily word-count tracking, writing sprints, live Q&A sessions with bestselling authors.
Community built into it: you’re writing with others (virtually), which recaptures much of what made NaNoWriMo compelling.
Free to join, open to writers at any level.
Tips if you join:
Use the October “Prep” window (they call it “Preptober”) to plan your story arc, characters or scene list so your November isn’t just starting but charging ahead.
Embrace the support features (forums, sprints) — these are what turn a “solo challenge” into a communal push.
Remember: it’s a sprint, not a perfect finish. The goal is first draft momentum, not final polish.
A virtual writing camp for Christian female writers that runs several times a year — including a full month in November.
What works:
A faith-based community focus: the motto “Writing stories for the glory of the King.”
Flexible goals: Whether you’re starting a novel, editing, or just exploring a story idea, there’s room for all levels.
Chunked-out schedule: Full-month sessions make it easy to commit to November specifically.
Tips if you join:
Set your own goal early (novel draft or edit). The camp supports both beginning and continuation.
Engage with “tent mates” or sub-groups (they group participants into “tents/aunties” for camaraderie).
Use the Christian-writing angle as a strength: this provides not just accountability but shared values and encouragement.
Side Note: I (Katie) have participated in KDWC about 3 times now and have enjoyed the fellowship and accountability! I can highly recommend this to any other Christian writers looking for a community to write with.
Launching November 1, 2025, this is a free 30-day virtual event for Christian writers who feel called to finish the story God gave them.
What works:
Combines writing sprint momentum with spiritual grounding: daily devotionals, worship time + live writing.
Focused audience (“for Christian writers”), which can create deeper connection and purpose.
Positioned as a “movement” not just a challenge: the emphasis is on finishing what you started, not just participating.
Tips if you join:
Clarify in advance how this aligns with your faith-and-writing goals: if you write Christian fiction, or feel your story is for an audience of faith, this may be a strong fit.
Commit to the devotional + loud writing phases — they’ve built in more spiritual rhythm than many writing sprints.
Understand the community aspect: less competition, more fellowship.
Side Note: We are partnering with Justice Tilsher this year and inviting you to join us for this exciting opportunity! Several of my friends and I will be participating in his regular events! Hope to see you there!*
How to decide which path (or multiple) is right for you
Here are a few guiding questions to help:
1. What’s my goal for November?
Do I want simply to begin a novel?
Do I want to finish a first draft?
Am I editing or rewriting instead of starting fresh?
Your choice of event should match your goal.
2. What kind of accountability & community do I need?
Do I thrive in large-scale global sprints (big numbers, many writers)?
Or do I prefer smaller, niche groups (faith-based, demographic based)?
Do I need live workshops + mentors vs. just a plug-in challenge?
3. What’s my writing schedule/availability?
Do I have the bandwidth for daily sprints, live sessions, tracking?
Or do I need more flexibility? Some camps allow editing or lighter goals.
4. What’s my story’s alignment/audience?
If you write secular adult fiction, a broad platform like Novel November may suit.
If you write Christian fiction or want community with shared faith focus, KDWC or Jesus Writing Month may resonate more.
5. What will keep me motivated?
The finish-line rush of a word-count target?
The support of peers and mentors?
The spiritual dimension of writing for a greater calling?
The November Tradition Lives On
Yes — the closure of NaNoWriMo marks the end of an era. But the idea of November as “novel-month” is far from extinguished. In fact, the vacuum left behind may be an invitation: to choose how you write, with whom, and for what purpose.
Whether you jump into Novel November, bunk up in camp with the King’s Daughters, or step into the Kingdom-driven rhythm of Jesus Writing Month, the key remains the same: write. Create your story, lean into community, keep showing up when your inner critic whispers “not good enough.”
One month can shift your writer-life more than you expect. Because it’s not just about words on a page. It’s about becoming the writer you’ve meant to be.
So mark your calendar, set your target, and let November be your writing launchpad.
Your story is waiting.
Are you writing a novel and need help bringing it to life? Meraki Press exists to serve first-time authors as they grow and launch their passion projects!
We offer complete packages for publishing or separate services for every step of drafting to distribution!
To Learn More:
** The Jesus Writing Month link is a referral link, there's no cost involved in signing up, but I receive rewards for each person who signs up!
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