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, newly revised! (Educators, be sure to check out the curriculum and free classroom kits on the Teaching Resources page!)
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. (Note: this link will take you to a page on the nanowrimo.org site, but you don't have to be signed in or have an account to see it.)
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 NaNoers, especially the NaNo Prep forum!
And don't forget to declare your creative commitment with our super cute social media flair below!

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

2022 NaNoWriMo Flair

Declare your commitment to your novel on your social media profiles! Get your friends on board to encourage (and nag) you throughout the month. Click on an image to download it full size. (Design by Jackie Williams/Attawell Summer Creative with additional support from Alyssa Alarcón Santo.)

Plus, find more flair—including T-shirts, sweatshirts, notebooks, scarves, hats, and mugs—in the NaNoWriMo store.

Profile or Instagram Image:

Twitter Header:

Facebook Banner:

Writer Certificate:

Also available in black-and-white if you're not printing in color. (Looking for the winner certificate? Find it on your winner page!)

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!