Do You NaNo? National Novel Writing Month & Productivity
Some writers jitter with anticipation. Others cringe with ironic dread. Still others disparage the format and block hashtags. Regardless of how one feels towards NaNoWriMo, it comes back around every year. Here’s why I’m a shameless NaNo proponent.

Over the last ten years I’ve realized encouraging other people to be creative is one of my favorite things to do.
So it’s no wonder I am a full-on NaNoWriMo lover and advocate.
Now that my health-induced hiatus from writing is over, I dove right into NaNo 2022. Eagerly. Obsessively. I made myself a little color coded chart to see what I’ve been working on most. I front-loaded to make sure I’d make it to 50k.
Luckily for me, my hiatus didn’t hurt my productivity. That writing muscle memory held up, and NaNo has everything to do with it.
Do You NaNo?
The anticipation leading up to my first NaNoWriMo was feverish and new. I learned about the event over the summer and had plenty of time to conceptualize my first-ever novel.
True to form, I was already a rebel. I couldn’t resist writing a few scenes in my head long before November began.
Not being able to take part for the last couple of years because of my health hurt more than the physical pain I was in. But I’m ending this year with crazy forward momentum in my writing thanks to NaNo.
It has driven home that NaNo is so much more than 1,600 words a day.
When you use NaNo as the tool it can be, this yearly practice can shape who you are as a writer. You never know when the community will present unexpected opportunities. I still covet the tiny article I wrote for the NaNo Tumblog about getting in touch with your creative heart.
These are all the reasons I love NaNoWriMo for writing productivity not only in November, April, and July, but all year round.
1. Community = Productivity
Art is not whole without the feedback of fellow creatives. This is true especially for writing, because we become so blind to the words we create in a solitary setting.
The enthusiastic community of NaNo leads to genuine connections and gives you a place to discuss your writing all month. Then, when you need fresh eyes on your manuscript, you’ll realize you have a whole WriMo tribe to call upon.
In my experience, (quality) critique leads to more enthusiasm and productivity for writing.
2. Some People Love A Light-Hearted Challenge!
For me, NaNo is the perfect challenge. It’s not easy, but neither does it feel like an impossible hurtle to leap.
The short timeframe and quick pace of NaNo gives way to high creativity. It lets our subconscious take over and weave together amazing stories. An event like NaNo can help a writer push themselves and their stories to new realms.
3. NaNoWriMo Makes Rewrites Feel Like A Breeze
I’m a longtime, die-hard, NaNo Rebel. I never follow the rules. Instead I use the prompts, constraints, and community to inspire my productivity.
I love using NaNo for rewrites because the words pile up so quickly. I can get 1/2 to 3/4 through a fantasy novel manuscript in a single month. For writers working on longer manuscripts, this can be a game-changer.
NaNo passes in a blur. Before you know it you’re headlong towards the end of a full rewrite.
4. NaNoWriMo Keeps Writers Of All Kinds Focused
It’s easy to get caught up in each month as it sweeps by. Before you know it, another year is over, and you realize you’ve hardly made any progress writing. It’s a shite feeling.
For me, November is intrinsically linked to NaNo. I can’t think of the two as separate anymore and that anticipation spurs huge productivity.
Additionally, knowing the Camps are coming provides a flow through the year. These events keep me busting out huge word counts in short amounts of time at least a couple times a year. I also always have something to edit.
Real Talk: NaNo isn’t for everyone and that’s no big deal.
NaNoWriMo is a high paced challenge; your attitude towards it determines the outcome. For some, NaNo can definitely lead to intimidation, overwhelm, and burnout.
Also, some writers find structure stifling. The 1600 words a day focus doesn’t work for everyone and no one should try to fit themselves into a box they don’t like.
Of course, there are other ways to be part of a writing community and to be a productive writer. In-person groups can be vital. I’m absolutely in love with my Discord servers that give me a place to talk and vent about writing 24/7.
Should You Or Should You Not NaNo?
You should give it a try!
If you’re ready for the challenge, the good news is you have a whole year(ish) to prepare! Or heck, jump in right now and write 50k in a week (just kidding) (or not…?). And you can get two practice sessions in with the Camps, where you can set your own word count.
My best advice is to go into NaNoWriMo with a light heart and an open mind. Try not to put any great expectations on yourself and let the words snowball.
Go with your gut. Write your heart-story. Indulge your muses. NaNo!
☄. *. ⋆
Oh my gosh, did you read to the end? You’re an ~actual~ angel.
I’m not big into social media but I do have a Tumblr and a brand-spanking-new newsletter called Common Ink, which is all about staying creative no matter what life throws at you.
I also really, really love to edit fantasy novels so let me know if you’re in need of a professional developmental critique.
Borahae, Much Love!
-Ari ༻¨*:·.