NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program

September marks the official start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, and the official start of NaNo Prep season all around the world! During September and October, we’ll provide resources to inspire, challenge, and prepare you to write that novel. Here are some good places to start (cue epic training montage music):

Accept the official NaNoWriMo challenge from your Dashboard to get started!
Not sure what word-count goal to set? Check out our Word-Count Goal How-To!
Brainstorm and plan with our Young Novelist Workbooks.
Skim through all the #NaNo Prep posts in the NaNoWriMo blog.
Watch the "Novel Prep" playlist on our YouTube channel for tips and advice.
Join a live NaNo Prep Virtual Write-In, or watch later to do the prompts and sprints on your own.
Hop into the forums to chat prep with other Wrimos, especially the NaNo Prep forum!
Declare your creative commitment with our social media flair.
Are you an educator? Check out the Teaching Resources page for a link to claim your free 2018 classroom kit!

September's #InstaWrimo Challenge

Get into that noveling state of mind with a month of Instagram prompts designed to help you prep. Post a photo each day in September, or explore the hashtag to get inspired by our community. Follow us on Instagram to join in!

nano prep

Planner vs. Pantser

And finally, you've got to make the big NaNo decision: Are you a planner or a pantser?

Here's the difference:

Planner Badge

You believe in rigorous preparation.

You’ll spend the months before November carefully fleshing out characters, building worlds, and plotting your story. On November 1, you’ll have an outline—or at least lots of helpful notes.

Pantser Badge

You believe in hardcore spontaneity.

You’ll spend the months before November stocking up on inspiration and mayyybe a vague idea or two (if you’re ambitious). On November 1, you’ll have a blank document and your imagination.

We think both are equally valid! And even if you’re a pantser, we recommend checking out the resources and steps here… You never know what might inspire you!

View All Breaking News