The last NaNoWriMo event I participated in was 2017. I had not planned to participate that year, in fact I had planned not to do it. I had intentionally resisted for a whole seven days. While working in a kitchen of my favorite deli one day, a young coworker said, “This world would be a better place if they could just kill off everyone over fifty.”

I was instantly offended, being over fifty. But that line triggered a gripping premise that came to together over the next three days and wouldn’t let go. It was a frighteningly prophetic covid-19- like story which had me writing a whopping 55,000 words in just under two weeks, finishing ten days ahead of schedule.

Since my story On Borrowed Time began unfolding in real life in 2019-2020, I hadn’t written any more fiction. Recently, I’ve had some new ideas noodling around in my head. Ideas that (if they came true) wouldn’t be nearly as globally catastrophic.

I was surprised to learn recently that after a quarter of a century, NaNoWriMo closed officially in April of 2025. It got me thinking about all the NaNoWriMo events I’ve been a part of over the years. On Borrowed Time is the most memorable. A few others are still on the back burner.

I’m curious, have you participated in the past? How often did you complete the challenge? What is your favorite or most memorable story from NaNoWriMo?

And what about all the writers who were looking forward to trying their hand at writing furiously for 30 days this fall?

I have good news! This year, ProWritingAid is running a 30 day/50k words challenge called Novel November.  You can register here: The dashboard opens Wednesday October 1st, and registering is still free.

But it isn’t the only game in town. If you prefer something that’s been around a little longer, 2021, with a faith friendly environment, you might look into the NoQu challenge which is similar: Write at least 49,999 words in 29 days, 1,439 minutes, and 59 seconds during the month of November.

For every week of November, they’ll supply you with their Weekly Bulletin, which is a post devoted to picking your brain and giving you inspiration. The Bulletin includes but is not necessarily limited to the weekly word count goal, a dare for the writing process, a question to get you thinking, a prompt to inspire you, and an ambiance that you might like to listen to while writing.

If you’re interested in still other options, check out NaNoWriMo alternatives provided by ProWritingAid.

I’m definitely up to a 49,999+ word challenge. If you decide to join one of these, let me know! I’d love to track your progress with you and hear how your experience goes. I’ll be registering October 1^st as well, and let you know in November which I’ve decided to check out.

In the meantime, sharpen your pencils, grab a box of pens and fire up your creativity! I’m ready for BIC&HOK! (Butt in chair and hands on keyboard.) I look forward to your comments.