How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2024 ✨✍️

[@wanderingbelle7]

Y’all, the process of writing a rough draft in the month of November doesn’t have to include supporting an organization. I literally didn’t know it was an organization until reading these comments, I thought it was an idea, and I was planning on doing it lol. The controversy sounds totally gross and if it’s all true they can go to hell, but you don’t have to throw out the practice because they did/said shady stuff.

[@Jun11183]

So agree with you. I'm taken the month november to set myself to write daily and try to reschedule 50,000 words. There is a nice, fun and save discord group in my country that (previously was part of nano, but now not so much) supports writers, make it a little competition share feedback, tips and such. Just a great place with like-minded people. The name is still nano but it isn't linked with the organization.

[@havenhope]

There are hundreds of people doing the same challenge just no longer through the NaNo site, and i know multiple discord servers all running their own version of the event from 50k set to ones that let you set your own goals. There's absolutely nothing wrong with doing the challenge as a whole, a lot of people just choose to no longer do it in a way that supports the organisation, myself included. Also as a note, I will say the "controversy" is true unfortunately, I was behind the scenes with some of the people organising bringing it to public attention for a while and saw all the evidence of it.

[@AG-ng1ml]

Speaking of using AI for writing - "If you didn't care enough to write it, why should I care enough to read it?"

[@chimanruler15]

Well said! 👍

[@petrastein2531]

Do writers really use these tools? Revolting, honestly.

[@Imreallyboredsick]

​@@petrastein2531 Exactly. What is the point?

[@petrastein2531]

@@Imreallyboredsick I never understood how people can't make sense of this and think it is insulting to say it out loud. Maybe you're better at writing and maybe you're better at plotting and coming up with ideas. But you need both of these if you want to write a book, end of story. You can have the strongest writing there is or absolutely mind-blowing story, but if you don't have a bit of both, you don't have what it takes to be a writer (even in the world with AI). Anybody can learn one of these. The key is to handle both (on your own) at least decently. AI is stealing prompts from other works either way, it will never give you an original idea.

[@Imreallyboredsick]

@@petrastein2531 Maybe you misunderstood me. I'm agreeing with you.

[@katgreer6113]

Keep in mind ya'll don't actually have to support the website to write. A lot of the writing community has rightfully backed away from them.

[@malloryo.4782]

This is true. I'm considering doing the challenge again (sans the official website). :)

[@BlueneCsyan]

Another autor here in YT make her own webside for help people who abandon nanowrimo, its only for word count and goals, caise she didnt have time for something mofe complicated

[@hello-lz4xj]

definitely, I'm doing nanowrimo but I use google docs. the website is not a necessity

[@thelabyrinthlife]

​@@hello-lz4xj PLEASE BE CAREFUL, there was talk about using google docs content to train the google ai the way they used gmail emails. WIPs tend to be top secret for me so idk how it is for you but be alert fellow writer!!

[@Art1tseL1lac]

I want to participate in Nanowrimo this year. I've finally zeroed down on story plot and character designs. Wish me luck!

[@cobralily]

You got this!!

[@Art1tseL1lac]

@@cobralily Don't worry, u can do it!

[@AZAROSHADAD]

Good luck

[@GodwinOkojieII]

GOOD LUCK! You've got this!

[@user-ps6uu7sw3m]

Goood luckkkk girly :3

[@elizabethg1111]

I'm no longer doing Nanowrimo, but I am going to do Sarra Cannon's Rough Draft Challenge, so I really needed this video. I've never been successful in writing the whole 50,000 words and I hope to do so this year. I have a new novel idea in the Paranormal Romance genre and I'm excited to start writing. I'm normally a pantser, but I am going to try to create an outline this year so maybe I'll make it.

[@annieway35]

Same! Nanowrimo has had too much moral chaos, just say no.

[@DeborahPettit]

I am going to do Sarra Cannon’s RDC, too. I haven’t tried Nano before, but I wanted to give something like it a shot this year. I hope you meet your goal, but mostly, I hope you enjoy the journey! Have fun in November!

[@elizabethg1111]

@DeborahPettit I wish you all the luck, and we are both going to meet our goal. We've got this!

[@DeborahPettit]

@@elizabethg1111 That's right! I can't wait!

[@StelaraWhitmore]

The organization is different from the challenge itself. You do not have to be part of the organization to write. Very narrow minded thinking attaching the process to the organization.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

I have now finally finished the first draft of my YA dark fantasy novel. 63,000 words in total. I sm very proud of this accomplishment. I am not sure where to go from here, and what i should do before working on the second draft, which i have already started a little bit. I do want to increase the word count up to 71,000 words for the second draft, mostly by adding in a whole new subplot about the cursed sentient sword that is a big aspect of my protagonist's negative character arc. Abbie's video on character eniegrams was a massive help. I learnt thar my protagonist is an unhealthy type 2 character, who evolves into a type 8.

[@thatgirlintheglasses4780]

Great job!

[@DeborahPettit]

You’re ahead of the curve. That’s great! Congrats!

[@RM-cj8uj]

I am in almost exactly the same position! I'm at 60k and want to get it up to 70k. Considering adding a romance sub plot

[@GodwinOkojieII]

@@unicorntomboy9736 Congrats!

[@Roma_eterna]

So you CAN prepare! For some reason I always thought you had to write the whole thing from scratch in the course of the month, including planning the novel.

[@ShayanMallick29]

Yeah October is called Preptober. Doing the whole thing in one month would be way too overwhelming. Btw you can do anything in nanowrimo, like rewriting a draft, etc.

[@leoterrell9848]

There are no rules! The point of the challenge is to get people writing and keep them motivated. You can write whatever, whenever, however long/short, it's completely up to you! As long as you let your creative juices flow, anything goes. It's very important not to burn yourself out, so keeping the rules less rigid is the best way to go in my opinion.

[@colepurdywrites]

Never participated in NaNoWriMo before for various reasons, but this year is the year. Let's go!

[@5674Kc]

I love each of your shirts. 😂They are very clearly unique and telling of your personalities. I think I'm going to set the goal of 100 words a day for NaNoWriMo. which sounds doable with 2 littles.😅 Coming back 10 years since I participated last is exciting.

[@DeborahPettit]

I always like looking at the different styles Kate and Abbie have. So fun. 100 words is a big deal with kids. Go for it! And be proud of yourself whenever you have the ability to write.

[@TheVioletWolf]

Im glad yall brought up the study about how our minds change, its what my son and i always talk about when we grow up and becaome disillusioned with the world around us... But i feel like it also has to do with our brain waves as children vs adults. When i got back to writing, that was the the thing that was at the top of my goal list: imagine things as i did when i was a child. I al constantly tapping into the little girl inside, asking her what she thinks about this ornthat, asking her what worlds she would want to explore... Then I leave the rest to my adult brain; we work in tandem. Meditation and nature have played a major role in finding that awe and wonder with the world around us. The rest is just hard work and being open to improvement and learning the craft. ❤ My most favorite idea of "work". PS i love Kate's guided meditations! I do plan to start her wellness journey once i graduate from school. ❤❤❤

[@ShayanMallick29]

Almost 3 years ago when I was 11, I made a Minecraft story game for my sister. I wabted to simply make a fun knight-fights-dragon story inspired by the Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It was very simple: my sister simply had to travel across the kingdom to a watertower to defeat a dragon. There were characters with her, like her in-game brother and cousin, and a very cunning girl who's leading them. And there was a prophecy, that she would be betrayed. So she played the game and loved it. The girl betrayed her in the end, and there was a very bad second part and a planned third that never happened. But I loved the concept, so I expanded on it. The main character was named Leah, and I got into your channel, and I started outlining for the first time. I found a love for outlining, and for the last 3 years, I have been doing just that. It is now a planned trilogy, titled the Elbriech Trilogy. Three 40 page outlines each for each book, a 70 page worldbuilding doc, a character doc of 90 pages, and a bunch of journals and notes. This August, I finally began my first draft. And I just waned to say thank you, because you started it. You inspired me. It was such a stroke of luck that I came across your channel. All the things I've learned from you, I incorporated into my trilogy. It's my biggest project ever, and I' so excited for this. I just began Chapter Three, and I will be finishing the first book, Blade of Catcher, throughout November. Once again, thank you.

[@thelabyrinthlife]

If you ever publish it please lmk

[@wiggleworm5423]

15:53 This is why I take all of Abbie Emmon's professional writing advice. Not just because I want a good book, but because it makes it exciting to write.

[@DemitriMansekov]

this is my first NaNoWriMo!!! I'm doing this on my in progress WIP which had 22k words, right now im 5k words in!! I'm planning to finish my first draft so I can hopefully publish before May and start advertising! It's an epic fantasy romance, haters to lovers. I'm calling it, Of Roses and Lies! Abbie, you are the best! Your tips and writing session HAVE SAVED ME! Please do a video on how to advertise/sell your book, because getting an editor is expensive and I'm still a teen!

[@era_by_era5771]

I'd love to see a video about the transition from book 1 to a sequel, since that's what I'll be doing during NaNo. Tips on outlining, as well as staying true to the original while still keeping it exciting. A big pitfall of sequels is that nothing is new anymore, so there are less exciting things. How would you get around this?

[@Soya_Amir]

I am writing too and i am on this NaNoWriMo 2024 , and I am so happy to be with u guy's b/c u are my great authors 😘

[@alicia.katharina]

So excited! I have a few characters and a rough outline but still need to work out a lot, before I can really get going on November 1st!

[@chaicoffeecup]

This November I'll try to finish my first draft. I'm very perfectionistic and find it very hard to just write. But I'll challenge myself to not obsessively edit this time haha

[@cobralily]

Lol i'm the same!!

[@BKPrice]

Depending on the clarity of my initial story idea, I am an advocate of the "day in the life" start, not as something that will end up in the book but as a way to shape the character's attitudes organically. For instance, does the character leap out of bed eagerly at the sound of the alarm? Do they hit the snooze button a few times? Do they get up but sit at the edge of the bed for a few minutes rubbing the sleep out of their eyes and contemplating getting back into bed and snoozing just a bit longer? All of these little choices start to craft a unique character and help guide an undecided writer toward the proper trajectory for their story. It's not absolutely necessary, but it can be helpful.

[@Ninjaneercat]

The idea of dedicated writing in Nov, is a great concept. I've been writing what I can. Even if I have to write one sentence at a time. I feel bad for people who work peak season, me included. After Thanksgiving till New Years Eve, twelve to sixteen hour shifts of madness. I wish everyone the best of luck and have fun with those enjoyable first drafts.

[@Memkiss]

Having a lot of my plate for the next two months I decided to do a PeJaWriMo, but I feel I need to start prepping already xD fingers crossed for all of you!

[@heatherwind]

I wondered, in light of recent events, if you'd be doing any content supporting NaNoWriMo this year. I participated and won for the past 7 years, and I'm gutted by all that's happened. I deleted my NaNo account altogether, and have felt painfully conflicted about what to do this year since that had become an event I greatly looked forward to. Rationally, I know I don't need the website to write. I rarely used the forums, and didn't attend local events due to lack of transportation. But after so many years it's hard to reset my brain, knowing they still exist but choosing to abstain from what had become a happy tradition. I do not support generative AI, in writing or art or any other creative medium. I've heard it referred to as The Mediocrity Machine, and that really stuck with me. I wholeheartedly support the belief "if you didn't care enough to write it, why should I care enough to read it." So I'm still going to write, but on my own time and terms, and make new traditions instead.

[@Progressive-Boomer]

Thanks for presenting these elements of writing so persuasively. As a long-time fan of your dynamic duo, I look forward to your videos. This time around I will be completing my novel in November. Thanks once again Kate 'n' Abbie... You are amazing🙏

[@diederdas27]

I am officially late to NaNoWriMo because I forgot it was a thing. Wish me luck, I’m gonna need it.

[@nmmorton]

Thank you Kate and Abbie! 😊 I have attempted to do NaNo privately for myself in the past but haven’t gotten very far. This year thanks to y’all’s videos and Abbie’s trainings I have some outlining done and I’m ready to write! I never have participated in the official platform, and will be doing this on my own and hopefully connecting with other writers in Abbie’s discord community. Writing sprints are SO fun! Let’s do this!! 😄

[@SimpleDesertRose]

One thing i have always told peoole is that when you start having kids you get some of your innocence back. Thing like running water or a cat's purr are thing we just accept as part of everyday life, but from a child's perspective its new. Everything is bew and fascinating. I recommend hanging out with your kids or maybe sitting at a park and watching kids play to get your childlike juices flowing. My kids always have fun creative ideas. My daughter is especially creative and always coning up with fun ideas. My boys are absolutely ingenious when it comes to humor.❤❤

[@maja8453]

First

[@Art1tseL1lac]

Frrr... Procrastinating is something I struggle with too 😅😢

[@neofulcrum5013]

Same

[@kidanemariameyob8752]

What about the WHEN and WHERE ? When did the events in the story take place? Use of flashbacks to narrate the backstory etc. Where did these events take place - premise.

[@GodwinOkojieII]

That's a very good point!

[@periwinkleninja264]

Oh so very excited to get started! This year will be my third attempt, with two wins under my belt. And a perfect excuse to continue getting through the efforts of finishing my first book to publish! I super can't wait!

[@milomazli]

OMG!! I am so greateful for you two. you two are the reason why my motivation is stabil and thriving. Thank you so much! Many namaste

[@MSSProductions1]

trying to finish my first draft during the unofficial nanowrimo ♥ good luck to all of us!

[@samantharose1001]

I’m not participating in Nanowrimo, but I’m sure these tips are still applicable for writing projects / goals in general 🩵 this thumbnail is so autumnal 🍁

[@annetaloyo9482]

I was preparing to write my feature film , I'm glad I can grab your planning technique to write my feature film too.

[@giuliaidiometri186]

This November I am going to work on a co-writing project with a friend. It's a fanfiction about the TV series Supernatural. I have never participated in NaNOWriMO, but I will try to work as much as I can in November. Ee have already brainstormed everything, so I'm ready to write my part of the story. We have started it in August and we wrote five chapters and 17447 words for now.

[@Bill-kj8io]

The problem with AI is this: no matter what we creative types do those who are not creative are going to trying employing this technology to supplant us. Some will do this to make themselves appear more talented or skilled than they actually are. Others will do it simply so that they don’t have to pay money to another human being. How many of us struggling writers have done that to visual artists, opting to make our covers using AI so that we didn’t have to pay someone to make our cover art?

[@erinhastings6679]

I am planning to participate in NaNoWriMo this year!! I'm planning on outlining/writing my novel which is a holiday murder mystery novel thar is finally YA!! Finally I'm going to write an YA novel!! I'm so excited about it!! And I think ai is good for writing too, because it inspires into your creativty. I've been using a website where I can or text my characters. I highly, highly, highly recommend it alot. Because not only you extend your creativty but you also you can get to know them by just talking to them.

[@annaaabananaaaahh]

Sorry, but that is nonsense to me that writers need to use AI to tell them more about their characters. They come from YOUR brain, not a computer - you 'extend your creativity' by sitting down and WRITING your characters. Be it by writing an interview style piece or by discovery writing something from their past or present... All these AI "tools" do is literally tell you tropes and stereotypes that they steal from other creators, rather than it coming organically from your own brain.

[@RumoHasIt]

Im gonna step in here and say we should not police how people enjoy the hobby of writing. If someone wants to practice in a specific way, let them enjoy it, explore their characters, how ever they want to. BUT. If you have even a 1% chance of ever wanting to publish your story, or to become a published author, then absolutely ethically you need to avoid any "creative" input from AI. But if you are writing for yourself and only yourself as a way to destress, enjoy and explore, let's not shame strangers on the internet for enjoying writingin their own way. OP could be a 12 year old kid for all you know, who maybe doesnt know these other tools.

[@Mao08665]

Thank you for your advice and support, you're amazing 💚💚 You're so right about children's creativity. Somehow I wrote a whole darn book with a complete plot in school notebooks when I was 11 or so. Now I cannot write even a chapter of my project because I get too overwhelmed by overthinking every phrase and can't help myself no matter what I do or what mindset I try hard to build 🥲

[@TMscifiwrtr]

Thanks ladies for a great episode! I don't do wrno. I don't think I can pull off 50k words in 30 days. That just seems like too much pressure, I think it would ruin the enjoyment. I just hit 41,000 words in my latest story that I started in the last part of May for the retreat. 😊

[@-MarissaRose-]

Last year I got 50,000 words for my first novel (not in November) and Im trying for NaNoWriMo this year 😊

[@NatBekas]

Girls, you are so inspiring that I've almost changed my mind about NOT participating in NaNo this year 😂 It's not too popular in my country, but now I look at it as an opportunity to get on creating content every day, with no big commitments like 50K words, or 10K words, or anything... But just to make a habit to sit down, focus and create something I like. To experience that joy and excitement of creation and imagining things. To get back to the reason why I've started writing at the first place) Because that was FUN. Thank you so much for your show! I already feel a great help from Kate's 7-days meditation journey, it helps me focus and get to light and ease state, so it becomes really easier to start create. Now I just hope to continue developing this feeling 💜

[@miajones6302]

Thank you so much this is my first time listening to you and sister 😊. Both of you guys are kind in sharing 😊

[@dawidwojacki5049]

My goal is at least 60k words in November. Just hoping that I'll end final outline by the end of October

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@dawidwojacki5049 do you have to outline?

[@Schnee_Gloeckchen]

Thank you so much for your videos, it's a pleasure to listen to you two.♥

[@luisaah5707]

I will support the rough draft challenge and the 100K Challenge in 3 months.

[@raylawler13]

I actually do often say, "I really loved this plot device". lol. Obviously everything is tied to character, but conversely, everything is tied to plot too. Often, what makes me love a book isn't because of a character at all, but because of a plot twist that fooled me in such a satisfying way. Is that tied in with a character arc? Of course. But it's not always what it means to the character that makes me love it. It's that the author pulled something off that was heavily foreshadowed and sometimes right in front of my face, but in a way that I was perfectly misdirected.

[@BreannaCoffman-wi8dy]

"Read and relate to" yes very good advice I shall do that in my, book thank you so much for the advice

[@aresaurelian]

Excellent session. I retain much by listening to this. Inspirational. Thank you, Kate & Abbie. Love.

[@Quietcloud]

I find it interesting that Brandon Sanderson has said he starts with plot archetypes and then "casts" characters to fit that. I am with you that characters must come first for my process of writing. It is the characters who make the story live because once I know them, they choose actions and reactions that are organic.

[@Imreallyboredsick]

I always I'm going to do NaNoWriMo every year by late October, early November, I've got nothing planned. Even though it's exactly the same this year, I'm going to make an effort and write something this time. Still don't know what to do.

[@kathyl6677]

Just say it: society does not approve of those who think differently. We get shamed (especially in school) for daydreaming. We're told "that's nice, but do something that makes money." We are taught from an early age that our elders "know better." Creativity is nice as a side line, a hobby, a pastime, but you have to be practical; things have to "make sense."

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@kathyl6677 Charles Dickens was a child labourer once, but that didn't stop him

[@Beth11271]

Girl, I just went into panic mode. It's almost November and I don't have anything plotted for NaNo

[@_LikeATumbleweed]

I'm going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. This video was very helpful thanks!

[@thxcsv]

I actually have a novel idea ...might be a little fan fictionish ...but it's basically a sequel to "To Wong Foo ...' but, I want to explore the continuation of the characters at the same time honoring Patrick Swayze's life through the character in story.

[@labcat647]

It’s Now a No to NaNoWriMo

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

Yeah, I'm doing a big edit/rewrite push instead in November.

[@Sesskya]

I was waiting on this... I'm 17..well, almost,😊 and this is my first NanoWrimo... I'm working on my web novel ❤❤...among other things.....

[@GodwinOkojieII]

That's so cool! What are you working on this Nanowrimo? What is your project or projects about?

[@Sesskya]

@GodwinOkojieII Oh, Hi..😁 I'm writing an Office romance..with an enemies to lovers trope..that I plan on posting on wattpad(maybe). I want it out before my birthday... December baby. I'm also working on different historical romance novels...all of them are in the Victorian/ Regency era....and I have a few Mafia novels in the works... It's a lot, but my author brain can't stop coming up with ideas...thank you so much for asking..🥰🥰 Are you a writer too

[@GodwinOkojieII]

​@@Sesskya​@ Yep! I'm drafting the first 3 of a 15 mystery-novella series in November, with the goal to have all 15 drafted in various stages by next June!

[@Sesskya]

@GodwinOkojiell woah, that's so cool. You're super ambitious.

[@GodwinOkojieII]

@@Sesskya Thank you! I haven’t even mentioned the fact that I started an author website last month!

[@MrDacat]

I needed this video thank you ❤

[@eallae]

It will be my 13th nano this year. Haven’t won in a long time and I think that comes from lack of planning these last few years. This vid comes at the right time ❤

[@moonwalker.v]

I want to write my forst novel this November but my outline feels so messy? And I struggle at naming my characters/fictional school. Also, structuring scenes is so tough

[@katherine1304]

i think most people had no idea nanowrimo was a company. i didn’t even know until this year. we need to stop shaming people for just participating in a writing tradition because some company that barely anyone actually doing the challenges interacts with or knows exists did some bad things. like, good, i hope the company falls apart especially because of the pdf allegations. but writing a novel in a month and having writers supporting each other from all around the world at the same time doesn’t give money to them or support their website. i think the tradition has become bigger than that website and we shouldn’t destroy the one bit of overarching solidarity we have as a community of writers just because of it. we should let the website die and let the support and traditions live on.

[@hanhmy2511]

Tks for these advices, although I can get out of my comfort zone whenever I have my free time

[@coryelliott1958]

One question I have is that can the exciting incident by the climax of a story or is more of a beginning stage tool? Or can the be multiple incidents but only one that causes my characters to cross that bridge.

[@hatthawattha]

Good talk! I think that in addition if you think of books that get you excited, many of them have a specific way of revealing the story. Many times it's like peeling an onion where things are revealed but as a writer you have to know everything other way around and I find it really difficult to figure out what to include as in would it be flashbacks or would it start from there or will it really need to be shown, is it really essential to move the story forward. I have a huge problem of skipping everything boring and jumping to the good part but the boring parts (in a excellent written book) will explain things too and they move the story forward. I like to ask myself "what is needed here in order to get to this stage" but it is easier when there's already scenes in place.

[@ivad.1341]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this year, too. I have read about the "controversy" the NaNoWriMo organization had, but I don't care about the organization. I care about the writing challenge. That's why people usually do this challenge - not because they like the organization with the same name. And I don't see a point in changing the name (unless someone wants to try a challenge with different rules).

[@chimanruler15]

Perfect timing! :D

[@alayamcgill7166]

So many good points!! 😄😁

[@williamperryjr1324]

This is such great advice! Social media is such a huge turn off for me! My writing focus just disapptes! Quick question, is it possible to write 50,000 words in a day?

[@RhondaBlackhurst]

Curious if your Scrivener Masterclass will benefit me if I'm using Windows, not a Mac?

[@TheVioletWolf]

I just found a cozy fantasy short story contest i want to enter, but it starts november 6th, and im a little nervous as a baby writer. Ive written three short stories in the span of a week for my crewtive qeiting class, so in w ndering why i feel nervous about the contest. Im writing a novel, vit taking my time on it, because i want it to be fun and not anxiety inducing... So i write a little of that almost every day, BUTTTTTTTT I want to challenge myself with a cozy fantasy short, because the short stories are so satisfying, and it feels accomplishable. I dont even care about the prize, i just want to try it.

[@GodwinOkojieII]

VERY COOL!

[@nicklopez7787]

I love these even though in stuck in world building limbo. Cant wait to have enough time to write

[@grondhero]

I've not done the NaNoWriMo before. For those that do it, is your intention to make a publishable story? Or just a story for yourself? Is 50,000 words enough for a full story? Or about half? And is the NaNoWriMo generally for a certain website? Or is it just for one's self?

[@robynevershed9292]

I have checked the vault and I don’t see the platonic relationships livestream video in the vault and I am wondering where it is.

[@EvilAngel1227]

Discussion question: How many books should you read before you start writing your own? I feel like I constantly doubt myself about trying to write a book because I started reading on a regular basis fairly recently. Maybe others can relate. I feel like reading books is a solid foundation to creating stories of your own. I mean, how can you write a good romance novel if you’ve never read one? For example, I would love to create a romance involving a hockey player. So, reading other hockey novels would be a good place to start, right (aside from research)? How many hockey novels should I read? TY

[@mystic-irl-hb4zs]

I'm planning to finish my draft next month... I'm pretty far in, so it shouldn't be hard!

[@GodwinOkojieII]

NICE! What's it about?

[@mystic-irl-hb4zs]

@@GodwinOkojieII Thank you! It's about a young mage who has a decade-long beef with a sadistic god (who stripped them of 90% of their magic) and has to compete in a magical tournament to prove themselves, essentially putting them on the world stage! (Also betrayal)

[@GodwinOkojieII]

​@@mystic-irl-hb4zsThat sounds so nice!

[@mystic-irl-hb4zs]

@@GodwinOkojieII TYSM!!

[@GodwinOkojieII]

@@mystic-irl-hb4zs Np! Keep on the good work, and wish me luck for mine!

[@CatTubeVideosOfficial]

First!!! NANOWRIMO HERE WE GOOO!!!!

[@cmdrnova]

Nobody's writing anything for NanoCrapo, not after their full and entire endorsement of using AI to replace actually writing anything

[@krishnahemminger]

I can't believe we are actually still supporting NaNoWriMo after all the stuff going on for the last year and a half. Really sad to me.

[@direnightmare5635]

What exactly has happened this year to stop supporting NaNoWraMo?

[@yourimaginaryenemy]

They publicly support the use of AI in writing and called writers who don’t use it “albeist” and “classist.”

[@raelynteaguewrites]

​@@yourimaginaryenemy To add to what you said, a few authors on their board resigned after their comments on AI being ableist and classist. Not to mention that, before their AI comments, there were allegations of a NaNoWriMo volunteer grooming teens in their forum, and NaNoWriMo, it seems, attempted to cover it up until the FBI got involved. EDIT: If moral reasons aren't enough to keep people away from NaNo this year, the grooming incident shows they won't protect the people who use their site from scammers, predators, etc, and with their comments on AI, there are concerns NaNo may be using any writing people include on the site to train AI models. Probably best to avoid NaNoWriMo to protect ourselves and our writing.

[@rubyreeds8931]

To sum it up: - They allowed people to use AI to write their book, and staff calling those opposing this classist and ableist. Even though typing a command into an AI defeats the purpose of this being a 30 day "challenge". - PDFile allegations in the past (haven't heard updates on this honestly)

[@AG-ng1ml]

Don't forget you can still do that challenge without the site! (What happened is...yikes)..

[@Stashi1808]

Hi. I'm a composer who's trying to write an opera. I'm also trying to write the libretto. I have attempted to write stories in the past, but I'm horrible at it. Anyways, I don't know how to write poetically, rhymes.. ect... Is there any advice?

[@6thhistory]

I thought nobody was doing this because of their AI stance? Did something change?

[@bejeweled_the_weeb]

I'm out of the loop, what happened?

[@hellopaulie]

Yes. They took the stance that they support AI submissions because it is "ableist". I'm sorry but I think it's a crock. I have a disability and while I know that all disabilities are not the same, I find it insulting to take the stance that I need extra help with my creativity and literary talent. The only condition that AI helps, is those without the self-discipline to sit down and do the work. A lot of people are boycotting Nano and I know people were looking to organize other challenges instead. I haven't looked into that further.

[@6thhistory]

@@bejeweled_the_weeb I don't even do NaNoWriMo and I heard about it. They basically said anyone who critiques AI is ableist and classist, as if disabled and poor people are too stupid to write without AI help.

[@Anna-B]

You can participate in NaNo without using the actual platform. Personally, I’ve never used the platform so it isn’t a big change for me

[@6thhistory]

@@hellopaulie Fully agree with you there. I just got diagnosed with autism and am being investigated for ADHD too, and I would never dream of using AI for my work because... well what's the point? It's like cheating at a game where the only thing you have to do to win is just sit down and play.

[@NerdWytch]

Why are we even thinking about preparing for Nano after all the crappy stuff they've done? That's madness.

[@katgreer6113]

november is still national writing month though anyway. We don't have to keep using the website or anything. we can still do november writing challenges without including them.

[@NerdWytch]

@@katgreer6113 Yeah but it's national writing month because NaNo said it was. We can actually do that any time we want 🤷

[@katgreer6113]

@@NerdWytch That's true!

[@justguy-4630]

Ooh. I'm reviewing a book rn.

[@KeplerYubified]

I NEED SOMEBODIES HELP URGENTLY! I am in the process of writing a short novel with several volumes, I have finished volume 1 and it is 10,400 words. But how do I publish it, how do I make a book cover, who do I contact to proof-read it? PLEASE Help me!

[@KeplerYubified]

@@alpha1solace thanks i appreciate the advice !

[@halcyon5818]

I'm not against NaNo because of their inappropriate addressing of using AI to write your stories for you. I'm against NaNo because they were endangering kids. Something that seems to always be forgotten. Since I haven't heard much there is a chance there is new information or something that happened to disprove this. However that does not excuse the lack of timely action taken. Needing months to remove a potentially dangerous person is horrendous.

[@halcyon5818]

I am however still fully in support of completing a November writing challenge! Good luck to all the novel writers out there! There are many new challenges being put together out there that are much safer for kids and adults.

[@Chivalrytotem]

I learned of NaNo from you back in 2022. I was waiting for your stance on the AI controversy. I will do NaNo this one more time and quit. It's not my thing, my super busy office job won't let me nicely do a 30 days routine writing challenge. So I will take casual daily instead. This Nov, I will give them 2 projects! A normal 50k NaNo and a 500k A.I.-WriMo !

[@e_nyuszi]

ABBBIEEEEE

[@LCSANDERS]

Abbie, I have a question ❓ I have a book idea but my main character is male. I am a female so can my main character be a male? I think that is going to be my main issue is whether or not I can write from a masculine POV instead of a feminine POV. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

No, you cannot. The writing police will break into your house and take your writing licence away. I am just kidding. In all seriousness, yes, of course you can. You don't need to ask permission from anyone. Just do it.

[@VXMasterson]

You can write any main character you want. If you’re unsure if you’re accurately representing a male perspective, you should show your writing to men and ask if they think anything could be improved

[@Sesskya]

Just write what feels right to you... Just remember to figure out the protagonist internal conflict, and you'll be okay...❤❤ Let's go...!!! Good Luck..😊😊

[@cobralily]

I write some books from a male POV as a female. I think just talk to your guy friends or family and ask if it's accurate to how a guy would think/act

[@marie-op]

Write a person, not a gender. Yes, there are superficial things that you might want to research, but to paraphrase George RR Martin, think of your characters as people. At the end of the day, we're all human and have human struggles.

[@PasquaDiNicola]

Don't know why you're hair is on fire because they mentioned NaNo. YOU and I may not be doing it but a lot of people are doing something NaNo-ish. Sarra Cannon is doing the Rough Draft Challenge.

[@johnmclean6380]

LOVE this channel…but VERY DISAPPOINTED they’re pushing Nano content :/

[@TAHOEkaleidonaut]

25:05 … This is what I would have prefaced the video with, given the AI drama that started earlier this year on NaNoWriMo’s platform.😅

[@fattkidgames1755]

Thank God. A positive nano 2024 video. 50k November rules.

[@ivad.1341]

Abbie, you are super brave in my eyes for what you said at the end of video 🤩. I admire you and agree 💯

[@jynxbmd851]

I'll admit I don't have time to watch this in full yet so maybe you cover it, but I'm curious why would anyone prep for Nano now that they support AI submissions? Surely better to write for yourself or for a competition who hasn't betrayed the craft? Unless I missed something and they retracted that?

[@Anna-B]

You can participate in NaNo without using the actual platform. Personally, I’ve never used the platform (and didn’t even know about it at first) so it isn’t a big change for me

[@krishnahemminger]

@@Anna-B Will all the child grooming allegations and how they hid everything I wouldn't want to support or even do anything related to NaNo anymore.

[@Anna-B]

@@krishnahemminger while I don’t know anything about that, I still think participating in the event is ok. Though I understand anyone who wants to skip it

[@jynxbmd851]

@@Anna-B Each to their own of course; it would be far worse if there were monetary prizes or a judged winner (probably illegal then in fact), but personally I would still rather not give Nano the free publicity and potentially mislead unwitting new authors into thinking it's a good faith challenge any more, even if I didn't personally choose to sumbit through their platform. At the very least if one is aware of their AI stance and advertising their participation, or encouraging others to participate; then I think there is some level of moral obligation to include a disclaimer to make others aware that it's no longer required to actually write anything to be declared a 'winner' in their 'writing challenge'. If you're not adding a disclaimer because you're unaware of the situation however, then of course you are not at fault; but that scenario does go to show the need for those who are already aware to continue to highlight it to raise awareness so that others who would see the appeal of entering via the platform and writing in good faith are prevented from being decieved. Personally, I'd rather find other competing writing challenges with a moral compass to promote instead so that the benefits are not lost, as I think Nano actively disgraces the art form at this point.

[@jynxbmd851]

@@krishnahemminger this I have no knowledge of, can you direct me to a source to look into this and verify for myself please?

[@lizanna6390]

I'm not doing nanowrimo through the website after the ai stuff but i do wanna get back into the habit of daily writing

[@HKSFMinerva]

Skipping Nanowrimo, sorry. Refer to: "NaNoWriMo Says You're Classist To Criticize A.I. 🤢 by Daniel Greene.

[@thefatbat5556]

So, by including AI, are they accepting entries written entirely by AI or does that only mean authors may use AI tools? As a programmer with some experience with machine learning, I would support the latter but not the former. AI is a tool, not a person.

[@fallabeaufaebelle]

This 100%. I wish more people would acknowledge the nuances in the AI discussion. Too many people either go "AI bad and if you use it you bad too" or "AI is the future so get on board or get left behind and broke" and I hate both extremes.

[@thefatbat5556]

@@fallabeaufaebelle Yeah, I wish it were only AI that people are like that about, too. You make one statement and some people assume they know everything about you because of preconceptions they've had fed to them by a society that's literally brainwashed them to think there's only ever 2 options. This is why I don't use my real name.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

​​@@fallabeaufaebelle I agree with this stance. I watched an interview with Brandon Sanderson, who commented on this issue, and what he said was that he had no doubt AI will be able to write a book just as well as a high level professional human author like him, but will anyone actually care to read it. His overall point being that we as human beings like the human touch, especially in a creative field, and will still want to have human beings write books, even if on a technical level an AI can do it just as proficiently. I personally don't see a problem with writers using it as a tool, as a means to an end to unlock their creativity, and help along the way.

[@hellopaulie]

They specifically were supporting generative AI. Not just simple tools like spell checkers. And as far as generative AI goes, if people don't want to put the effort into writing a book, I have no interest in reading it. There are also allegations of pedophilia associated with Nano. One of the organizers was messaging underage contributors with explicit content. The Nano organization just covered for this person and concealed the actions until the FBI got involved. Other challenges have been created to replace Nana or you can just challenge yourself. But the Nano organization is trash.

[@kahlilbonetrodriguez]

Can’ support NaNoWriMo anymore.

[@futurestoryteller]

So I suppose bein an avid reader and author does not mean you know how to read the room.

[@JustClaude13]

The fuss over AI is a little silly. Writers have always been able to use AI on NaNoWriMo. Nobody is checking your work. You can just say you're writing without even touching a keyboard and they'll never know.

[@havenhope]

I feel the AI thing has overshadowed the REAL reason the majority of people stopped using NaNo, which was their horrible response to an issue around the safety of minors on their platform, and the following staff and admin abuse that happened against community members who tried to speak up to protect the kids.

[@eriantoestrada5721]

Good! 😍😍💕💕👍👍

[@KaseyBatesYoyo]

I’m jealous I wish my eyebrows were this full

[@renatagazarra]

Hey Abbie! How old you and Kate are?

[@boyboss3322]

Nanowrimo supports AI