Fresh Take: Navigating the Chaos of NaNoWriMo Controversies
Competitive Writing Challenges for November: Other Options Than NaNoWriMo
November is here, and you know that means it's National Novel Writing Month, or as it's more commonly known, NaNoWriMo. But with recent drama, you might be hesitant to dive in. We feel ya! While NaNoWriMo used to be a great platform for community, inspiration, and motivation, recent scandals have left some writers questioning if it's the right fit anymore. Let's take a dive into the issues surrounding the beloved writing challenge.
What on Earth is NaNoWriMo?
For the uninitiated, NaNoWriMo is an annual writing challenge where participants aim to write a 50,000-word novel in the month of November. Founded in 1999, the organization started as a small group of writers in the San Francisco Bay Area and has since grown into a global community with hundreds of thousands of participants. On the NaNoWriMo website, writers can connect, share their struggles, and offer support and encouragement [1].
NaNoWriMo: Controversy Central
- AI Endorsement Uproar: NaNoWriMo stirred up controversy when it released a statement seemingly endorsing the use of generative artificial intelligence for writing [2]. This stance sparked outrage in equal measure, with two board members resigning in protest and long-time supporters denouncing the statement.
- Sexual Misconduct Allegations: Tragically, credible allegations of sexual misconduct were made toward teens in the Young Writers Program hosted by the organization [3]. Many of the incidents involved an adult moderator, and NaNoWriMo.org was criticized for downplaying the seriousness of the accusations and failing to take action.
- Forum Shutdown: When the misconduct was exposed, the organization chose to temporarily shut down all public forums, leaving participants questioning the future of the organization [3]. Forums have since been reopened and NaNoWriMo has implemented a plan to make forums safer, but the lasting consequences of these controversies remain.
So, What's a Writer to Do?
With everything that's gone down, it's natural to wonder if there are better alternatives out there. We did some digging and here's what we found:
Encouragement and Motivation
If what drew you to NaNoWriMo was the encouragement emails, fear not! We've found an alternative for that bit of camaraderie and support: *Shut Up and Write*. This community offers the support you're looking for, complete with a thread of individuals sharing their struggles and offering encouragement [5]. Plus, it's free, just like NaNoWriMo!
Writing and Word Count Tracking
Perhaps you enjoyed NaNoWriMo for the word count tracking and accountability. Worry not, there's a solution for that too! The NaNoWriMo Subreddit hosts a discussion about alternative tracking methods and offers suggestions like Write Track, an app that lets you set goals and track your progress [5].
Habit Forming
If the habit of logging in and consistently updating your word count was the main draw, you'll be happy to know that there are alternatives for forming writing habits as well. Suggestions from the writing community include Habitica, an app that helps build the habit of writing by gamifying the process [5].
Fun and Festive Camaraderie
For those who crave the fun and camaraderie of NaNoWriMo, there's a community that looks like it could be a blast. The Order of the Written Word offers merch supporting charities, competitions with prizes, and an overall immersive experience [5].
Do you have a NaNoWriMo alternative you love? Share it with us in the comments! In the meantime, here are some books to guide you on all your writing journeys:
Murder Your Darlings
Gentle Writing Advice
The Jane Austen Writers' Club
- Despite the recent controversy surrounding AI endorsement and sexual misconduct allegations, some technology-focused writing communities like "Shut Up and Write" provide a supportive environment for writers, offering encouragement and camaraderie, similar to what NaNoWriMo once offered.
- For those who appreciate the structure of NaNoWriMo's word count tracking and accountability, consider using writing apps such as Write Track, which helps set goals and track progress, providing a comparable experience without the ongoing controversies.
- If the festive lifestyle and sense of community are what you miss from NaNoWriMo, consider joining the Order of the Written Word, offering charitable support, competitions with prizes, and an immersive writing experience, much like the NaNoWriMo of old.
