5 NaNoWriMo Alternatives!

[@Lisa_Flowers]

Honestly your channel's 'do what works for you even if it's portrayed as bad' is my anchor in a community that can sometimes be too focused on word counts and productivity to the detriment of writing (and living lol). Like I love authortube, and the community aspect and writing challenges are what helped me get back into writing, but I feel like the general community still isn't diverse enough to embody 'do what works for you'. It still favours producitvity oriented, word count focused, plotting channels. Which is fine! But like I appreciate that you show that you can still thrive as a writer and progress in your stories without fitting that exact mold, or fitting any mold at all. And that it is such an earnest part of your videos that you really encourage people to trust themselves to know what's best for them. So thank you for that.

[@ShaelinWrites]

Word counts/plotting/etc are great if they work for you and I myself have benefited from those things at certain points in time, but, like you said, there are so many people those things don't work for and I love writing so much more now that I've starting writing the best way for *me,* so I try my best to share that even if it seems unconventional. But the funny thing is, when you step outside the authortube community, things I do that are considered 'unconventional' here aren't really unconventional at all. So many successful writers write completely intuitively/messily!

[@nabilamiah3814]

I agree. A lot of channels give very perscriptive advice and they tend to forget that authors have different processes and different things that work for them.

[@ChaoticVampire]

You should start a Writing Discord. A lot of writing discords/forums are very narrow minded and prescriptive about the writing craft but since you foster so much openness and experimentation in this channel, I think the community that likes your videos would be really great to chat and bounce ideas with, especially for modified NaNoWriMo.

[@marionmunday8444]

I agree that would be great! im apart of one now but its very fantasy based and thats not really what I write, also like u said most ppl on there have a specific perspective about the way writing should be done

[@m.i.a.826]

This!! I'm in two different writing discords, and they're all very, very wordcount/regular typing based. It makes it difficult for me, who doesn't write everyday, to have a community without feeling guilty for not writing as much as everyone else.

[@Stonedandbookish]

I would love this!

[@xtonibx5770]

I agree. In every writing group I've been apart of, they were so fantasy-heavy and fantasy is great but it's not what I read or write. I think any group Shaelin makes would have a more diverse group and I can find people who write in the same genres as me.

[@mikroraptor]

I've done nanowrimo on and off since I was a preteen, and i've never been able to hit the 50k. it always made me feel really discouraged (especially seeing users on the site who wrote like 100k) until i realized i just cant write 1k+ words a day. The most i've done in a month is 20k which made me feel really accomplished. your ability to write 50k during nanowrimo doesnt define how competent a writer you are!

[@willtitone8844]

As someone on pace to finish my first draft sometime in October, "Nanoeditmo" sounds amazing!

[@xtonibx5770]

Good luck

[@TimRG]

Shaelin, I think it's a great idea to give options for NaNoWriMo. Not everyone wants to write a novel or write 50K words. I've always suggested to people to make their own goal for NaNo. Great video.

[@dukeofdenver]

I read Solarium and Cherry and Jane in the Garden of Eden last week and I absolutely loved them. You're amazing at creating atmosphere, with rather efficient yet nuanced characterization.

[@ShaelinWrites]

Ahhh thank you!

[@linus1703]

November is probably the busiest time for me with work as we're trying to get everything done before the shut down over Christmas. For this reason I do it in mid December-mid January. Does lose the community aspect (although the FB group is still a supportive and helpful community) but I often work best if I don't talk too much about my writing anyway. Plus I have this cool spread sheet that turns new colours when I meet my goals. Another alternative is doing Nanowrimo based on time rather than word count, setting a 20 minute a day writing challenge is easier to plan around and harder to make excuses for. One friend actually suggests doing a week of only spend 20 minutes a day, no more no less, on writing and I have found this helps because once I'm denied more writing time I appreciate it more and want it.

[@elisa4620]

I love that last idea. That's what I want to do next month to start a sustainable writing habit. :) I've been wanting to try Nano for a while but I always forget or can't find the motivation 😅

[@nocturnus009]

The day after this is posted (Saturday, October 3, 2020) is 24 Hour Comic day, Started by Scott Mccloud is an alternative exercise incorporating different storytelling muscles.

[@StoryToGo]

Oh fun! Thanks for the head’s up.

[@nocturnus009]

@@StoryToGo hopefully you can try it. It's a great opportunity to fast draft a story using different muscles. If you decide to look into developing your drawing skills it's a great way to see where you go. Just like you will with your (completed) NaNo Novel. Happy PrepTober!

[@StoryToGo]

@@nocturnus009 Thanks Charles. A Happy PrepTober to you too!

[@Allthepies]

Recently discovered the ‘book tube’ community. You are one of the only creators I can watch. Love the fact you don’t forcibly try to be wacky and kooky. Great content, well presented.

[@ngtskynebula]

I've never tried NaNoWriMo, but I've tried Camp NaNo and it stressed me out to no ends. I figured out pretty quickly NaNo *isn't* for me. But I came up with a personal challenge that's basically working on my project for 1h hour a day, for three months, and it worked out well 😊 Thank you for this video, Shaelin!

[@maidden]

Might do a NaNoReadMo and try to knock down my TBR lol

[@m.i.a.826]

Oh my god this is a great idea. Thank you!!

[@samanthajones2006]

I like how you mentioned writing everyday without having a strict word count! That is what I will be doing in November. My work schedule and just life itself doesn't give me a lot of free time. Thank you for giving me the idea!

[@paulapoetry]

I love the alternatives. I've heard people say you should write a short story daily for a month, but honestly, beyond Flash Fiction, that is crazy. A poem a day would work, for sure. I would let myself write 6 in a day, and then miss days. If anyone is more into reading right now, as I am, there is always Victober. You read as many Victorian novels as you can. I found out it existed by - honestly, being on You Tube a lot...! Kind of awesome, though. 😀💖💝

[@ShaelinWrites]

Oh my goodness a short story a day would be so difficult! All the power to anyone capable of pulling that off but I never could haha

[@Maidaseu]

I'm starting on my outline now. Can't wait for nano in four weeks

[@xtonibx5770]

good luck (:

[@ThumperCat01]

I tried the regular nanowrimo my first year and hated it, so now I set my own word count goals. It's so much more enjoyable! And I always write more than I normally do anyway because of the whole community aspect. Thanks for this - I no longer feel like I'm breaking the rules 😄

[@ShaelinWrites]

I love to hear that! Honestly the community aspect is the best part, the word count is ultimately somewhat arbitrary and not really what the spirit of the event is about.

[@StoryToGo]

Sarah Armstrong That is my kind of approach. Thinking I may do the same.

[@jm9799]

I paticipate in NaNoWriMo most years. It is always a nostalgic experience. It reminds me of 8 years ago when I handwrote all my stories in high school because I didn't have a laptop or computer at home to type. Socially, NaNoWriMo is one of the only times I get to meet up and chat with other people who enjoy writing as much as I do. Otherwise, I feel like no one I know has any interest in writing stories.

[@greenbird6491]

Great video! NaNo is my absolute favourite time of the year as it really speeds those cold months on. From Oct 1st I do Preptober, then Halloween and then NaNo - then December is pure chill month and Christmas and then it is the new year so it just flies by for me 😂 I do struggle with 50k these days as I have 3 kids but it's all good fun. I love your suggestions in this though thank you!!

[@Ralndrath]

Last year I did the 'NaNoEdMo' when I spent as much time as I could 'editing' my 240,000 odd word Warhammer 40k fanfic Secret War which I wrote from 2009 to 2014. Was pretty hard and I still think it needs a good looking over by a real editor. Wasn't as hard as real NaNoWriMo, but still rewarding.

[@ScottyDMcom]

I forget what year I first heard of NaNoWriMo... 2005? I remember it was about 9:00 pm on October 31st and I thought, "Sure. Let's go for it!" The first thing that annoyed me was The Rules: Must be 50,000 words of a new novel. Must not be a continuation of an existing novel. And of course the requirement that it be a novel and not something else. Well screw that. I declared myself a *NaNo Pirate* and redefined my inputs--I would work on a series of short stories around the theme of apples. My first short story wanted to become a novel when I had a dream where I was visited by: my muse (we never met in person before), the hero's love interest, the waitress from chapter 2 (who didn't even have any lines of dialog), all to hammer out who would pursue the hero and who would finally get him. The hero was curled up in the corner and whimpering, "Don't I get a say in any of this?" On waking I realized the plan was flawed, but the fix was easy: the waitress would purse the hero, lose him to the love interest, and then win him back-- the love interest the ultimate loser (we never told her). After about day five I stopped writing to create a plan for this novel, and so didn't get many words written. That's okay. I am a *NaNo Pirate.* Each year I've redefined my inputs: I write what I want. The NaNo people relented on their stupid rules, allowing projects such as memoir, continuing the same novel in subsequent years, etc. I've never written the full 50,000 words in November. I felt the words should at least be useful and not filler--NaNo encouraged filler if your word count was lagging. To me having 35,000 useful words was better than 50,000 words where fully half would be deleted on December 1st. Anyway, I decided to redefine my outputs as well as my inputs. NaNo became about personal goals. Also, the NaNo people started calling rule breakers "Rebels". Screw that, I am _not_ an NaNo Rebel. I am and will always be a *NaNo Pirate.* I have the song. I have the hat. I have the frilly shirt. I am a *NaNo Pirate.* Will I do NaNo this year? First, what'd ya mean by "do"? But yeah, in some sense. I'm pushing to finish and get a first critique pass done on my "forever project" in the next few weeks. Then finish planning the next novel and start writing it. After a few weeks rest, start a structural edit on the "forever project". Writing every day (even if it's only a dozen Post-Its for my planning board) is a terrific piratey goal. Anyone else want to be a *NaNo Pirate* along with me can get some fine piratiranical accessories at DressLikeAPirate.com :-D (no affiliation, I swear) 'Cause being a pirate is waaaay better than being a rebel. Now sing it with me: "Yar har fiddle de de. Being a pirate is alright with me. Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free. You're a *NaNo Pirate!* " Shaelin, you rock.

[@Xurelbes]

Lol you had so much fun presenting the alternatives! Absolutely loved this video. I like to be challenged, but never heard about NaNoWriMo before untill last week. I wish I could participate, but my college will get really heavy in november. However, your alternatives fit so much better in my schedule and are still challenging to! I'm looking foward for this. So thank you for making this video!

[@Lisa_Flowers]

This video is perfect for me, because there is no way in hell I can do nanowrimo this year in the traditional way, from a mental health standpoint (and i'm fine with that lol) but I also love the community aspect, the daily write ins, and just the fanfair. I was already considering doing a much smaller word count (since i'm writing a novella), or just maybe trying time tracking, so these additional ideas are really helpful!

[@StoryToGo]

Rocknalldatime99 Good for you - both on prioritizing your health and on the writing.

[@t0dd000]

I've been considering doing the short story thing. Critical would be prepping this month. Might do short story and poem per day.

[@jessw3254]

This is really helpful! I’ve just started a levels and I’m wanting to keep up with my writing but I’m completely swamped with work. I’ll have to try one of these!

[@ArabellaKFederico]

Ahh I participated in NaNo last year, and I completed it but it did burn me the heck out. I think I only made it by 47 words lol 😆 idk, it caused me to take like a two month break. So if it works and you feel like your well won't be depleted at the end, then keep doing it. I really like the community aspect of it doh. When everyone is going for the same goal, it's lovely. I say do it, but don't over do it to the point where you're so wiped out. Even if you get 30K done, that's still a lot.

[@imaginativebibliophile549]

Shaelin, I may be able to finish the first draft of a novel in five months if I can create a story that I am interested in. However, I have mostly been unsuccessful with that. I often find that I am more of a short story writer and poet than a novelist. I would love to try writing a short story a week or a poem a day during November, for that is far more realistic. I love how you actuate everyone to write as they desire and I believe in the idea that all writing is considered writing. I love you

[@ClintEPereira]

I've never heard of "milwordy" but the very idea to me feels like standing at the foot of a waterfall and staring down at the rocks below. That's almost two NaNoWriMos every month! I mean, if you work with a team of ghostwriters, maybe...

[@AlexaLaineZinke]

Your outfit is so cute your jewelry is so cute you’re so cuteeeee (also thank you for making this video! I’m currently in college and want to do Nanowrimo for the first time but idk if I have the time)

[@MerweenTheWitch]

Even though I'm on the fence still, I'm thinking one of these variations might really help me. I'm having a lot of anxiety on the quality of my work from a "line edit" perspective (which might be a good thing, a proof I'm passing a threshold), so perhaps focusing on another type of goal like productivity or consistency might shift the Panic Critical Eye to somewhere else. Maybe even unblock me! Who knows! Anyway, thanks for the suggestions :3

[@JLToddTheDictionPuppeteer]

The first time I tried doing NaNoWriMo was in high school, but I could never get very far. I was in a lot of AP classes, and dealing with depression and anxiety, and I haven't been able to do it in college. I'm graduating this coming summer, and I hope that once I am done with school I can do a NaNoWriMo and actually get 50k words in one month

[@a_noelles]

This year I'll be spending November REwriting a completed 87,000 word novel that needs it. Its been on my list to rewrite it for 3 years because I do love the story and I also know it's not well written. I think it's time to actually do it.

[@haileyn2862]

I actually wanted to editing as nanowrimo but writing a short story a week sounds like such a great challenge!

[@EmmmaHhhhh]

I’m still using the nano site, but I’m aiming for 30k this year. It’s a more reasonable goal for me but it still feels like I’m accomplishing something.

[@xtonibx5770]

You're definitely accomplishing something big. I have mine at 20-30k because that's more realistic for me.

[@artie5o6]

Waited for this since that Tumblr post!!

[@emilyjo2158]

April is national poetry month and there is a poem a day challenge called NaPoWriMo

[@ShaelinWrites]

Ah it's normally done in April, thanks for the clarification!

[@storyphile4518]

NaPoWriMo is in April!

[@Bluejaybooks]

I think the way the updated nanowrimo website is set up may be more condusive to the sort of informal goals you're talking about. So you may want to give it a try 🙂

[@ShaelinWrites]

I didn't know that, I'm excited to check it out!

[@StoryToGo]

I’ve long meant to do #nanowrimo for the community aspect, but I always forget until after it’s started. On that note, thanks for reminding me that it’s approaching. Love your suggestion and fun play on hashtags of modifying NanoWriMo to suit my goals. All for those sort of modifications that just get people creating.

[@UdyKumra]

I'm doing NaNoWriMo for the first time this year since I'm taking a gap semester at college and I can do it for the first time! Although idk if I will make a profile since I don't need the whole community as much as just the general cultural movement 😂

[@SodaSpeakNow]

I love this! I’m doing nanowrimo for the first time for my first book! For my own sanity I’m writing some random parts of the book now in October even though it is “cheating” but I’m just so slow 😅 (Yay for dysgraphia)

[@mischarowe]

*Write every day* sounds right up my alley.

[@mariamcdonald973]

I am using NaNo to finish a draft this year, which already has nearly 60k.

[@ejwrites1]

I like changing up the rules of NaNoWriMo based on the project I'm going to be working on. Like, if it'll be an editing month I'll make the goal to edit at least 50,000 words. If it is a current project I'll just work to add 50,000 words to whatever is already there. And I understand not doing NaNo while at college, it is frustratingly hard to do the daily word-count goals while also doing class work. --I am crying on the inside because I miss doing NaNo--

[@vanessaglau1797]

Ooh, those are some good ideas! Are you going to vlog your 'write every day' challenge? I kinda miss your vlogs... Anyway, I might actually join you in that bc I'm in the same boat: want to participate in the community stuff, but can't really write 50k anymore. Happy November writing, I guess!

[@maya-gur695]

I try to do the write every day thing, as opposed to the traditional 1,667 words a day. I wish NaNo was more adjusted for short story writers, as I never really succeeded in writing a novel during NaNo.

[@dariakey5318]

Thanks for the video! Many ppl I know are doing #writeober now instead of nanowrimo. And also some pursue writing short story collections in Nowember during NaNoWriMo This year I'm doing NaNo after 2 years of idling. It's exciting and frighting at the same time to come back to 50k- word-goal, as I was editing for that 2 years, rarely writing short stories in breaks b/w chapters. So, now I'm doing some preps. But not plotwise or something. I challenge myself to write everyday and moreover reach the goal of 1,6k words. It's tiring to be honest. Especially after work. But I still hope that I'm gonna win this year as I did previously. A lot has changed, though

[@creatorarcana6366]

Hey fellow writers, I have a question. I really enjoyed NaNoWriMo last year and actually won because the process through the website worked so well for me. I feel weird about using the website because of the controversy, but I’m looking for alternatives. Here’s why it worked for me: - The progress bar going up each day was a fantastic motivator to write. - The virtual badges made me want to collect them all and thus made me write more and every day to get them. - I had a community of people to keep me encouraged and writing. I haven’t found a website like this yet so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any ideas?

[@mayamehta5794]

I've been debating doing NaNoWriMo since last year but I always end up scrapping my drafts for no logical reason, so I'm kinda scared of not completing it. I'll probably force myself to sign up anyway.

[@syeah1639]

Love this video Shaelin! Any advice or methods to learn from other's craft effectively?

[@ShaelinWrites]

If you read something and it really resonates with you, ask yourself what about their work resonates with you and see how you can take inspiration from those techniques in your work!

[@syeah1639]

@@ShaelinWrites Thank you :)

[@aznSeddie]

NaPoWriMo usually takes place in April cuz April is National Poetry Month. I've tried it in the past, but I always fell off after 9 days, lol. But it's still fun and manageable to do.

[@iisazelx9340]

30 for 30 is April! Poem a day!

[@amy-suewisniewski6451]

I always cheat at nano because I don't start a brand new draft, I just add to the one I'm alreadg working on. 50,000 words is already too short for most full length novels anyway, so I wouldn't be finished at the end.

[@ThaBloodWitch]

I'm writing a story by hand and NaNo is always a fun time to kick up the pace.

[@dani.b.o.o]

I want to write every day but fear I'll have nothing to put down as time progresses. How are you planning on doing it? Are you following prompts or just going with the flow? Thank you for sharing!

[@nabilamiah3814]

I was thinking about doing NaNoWriMo this year, actually! But I might not follow all the rules or achieve the word count, espeically bc of school.

[@deadmanomegagaming4061]

i've started doing a half nanowrimo, in October and I might even start doing a quarter nanowrimo in September. I'm hoping it will help me ready myself for the full nanowrimo, does anyone think this is a good idea? now I have to go write so bye

[@ضياءعنان-ظ4ظ]

Do you mind to be editor for some work? I follow all your videos. They are helpful....

[@laconscozynook]

Yes, I love these alternatives so you can stay apart of the community while making it work for you, because the community part is the best part!!

[@TheREALSimagination]

Don't want to be "that person" but this is the first video I've heard your voice being shots. If it's not back up by now, I wish you well.

[@ShaelinWrites]

I don't know what you mean by my voice being shots, sorry.

[@AlexBlank]

Back in June, I participated in a one-story-a-day challenge. Although I'm very happy to have completed it, it was not always enjoyable :p

[@ShaelinWrites]

That sounds really challenging! You are very powerful to complete that!

[@Stonedandbookish]

I wanna try it but I'm so scared lol

[@kendramaidment6754]

I'm doing nano. On the new site you can create goals for anything in the same way as nano

[@lucieelizabethannwesson7016]

I did it from 2010 until 2021

[@heisallpine]

i believe March is Poetry Month :)

[@TGorefiend]

Ok, frankly I thought you will be mentioning alternative actual online writing events, not something that can anyone arrange in any shape for themselves.

[@meddahi3194]

Hananowrimo is a superb idea

[@me-zs7tr]

I so wish this video goes viral

[@Pandanation11]

You're smart, it's scary because you're wise.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

Me: Starting NaNo early so that I hit a larger word count for my current Zero Draft.

[@ShaelinWrites]

very powerful! good luck!

[@StoryToGo]

Monique Ocampo Ha! love it!

[@roohvarz9942]

This is brilliant!

[@lucieelizabethannwesson7016]

How old are you?

[@ShaelinWrites]

I’m 25 but this video is several years old!

[@lucieelizabethannwesson7016]

@@ShaelinWrites I am 67 and been writing since I was 12

[@happypuddle1993]

To be honest, every time you mentioned NaNoRhyMo, I internally exclaimed: “tf is that?”, so I watched this to finally find out!

[@a_noelles]

You should have just asked. Someone in the comments would have been happy to answer you.

[@isabelbard853]

Cool!

[@taylormwomack]

❤️

[@augusthawley5504]

Make a profile to join all your disaster tumblr followers who want to lose with you