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.

First, accept the official NaNoWriMo challenge from your Dashboard!
Not sure what word-count goal to set? Check out our Word-Count Goal How-To!
Brainstorm and plan with our Young Novelist Workbooks. (Educators, be sure to check out the curriculum and free classroom kits on the Teaching Resources page!)
Finished with the workbook, or is it just not, well, working for you? Check out the NaNo Prep 101 Workshop! We asked first-time NaNoWriMo winners what went right for them, and then used their answers to create this 6-week novel prep course, filled with activities and resources to help you plan your novel. Follow along with us each week, or download the workbook to go at your own pace.
Join a live NaNo Prep Virtual Write-In, or watch later to do the prompts and sprints on your own.
Watch the "Novel Prep" playlist on our YouTube channel for tips and advice.
Skim through all the #NaNo Prep posts in the NaNoWriMo blog.
Hop into the forums to chat prep with other Wrimos, especially the NaNo Prep forum!
And don't forget to declare your creative commitment with our social media flair.

Ready?! Cue epic training montage... NOW!

The Forums Wipe Cometh!

Each year before NaNoWriMo season starts, we clear out all the old posts from the forums to give you all a fresh slate on which to scribble your creative odds and ends. This year, we'll start archiving and resetting Friday, September 11 around 8AM EDT.

Learn more about the Wipe or ask questions!

October'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 #InstaWrimo to get inspired by our community. Follow us on Instagram to join in! (Look for the prompts posted on our account at the end of September...)

NaNoWriMo 2020 Sticker Progress Calendar

Print it out, plan your month, and sticker (or color) your way to success!

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!

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