Introduction

Writing a novel in November, called Denver Novel Writing Month (DenNoWriMo) here in Denver, is totally doable, even with a busy schedule. The core idea is to write 50,000 words in 30 days, which breaks down to about 1,667 words a day. It sounds like a lot, but with a bit of planning and a willingness to just get words on the page, you might surprise yourself. It’s not about perfection; it’s about momentum and getting that first draft down.

DenNoWriMo is a creative writing challenge where participants aim to write a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. The beauty of it isn't in publishing a masterpiece by December 1st, but in fostering a writing habit, overcoming procrastination, and proving to yourself that you can write a book.

The Philosophy Behind the Madness

The main philosophy is "quantity over quality." This isn't the time for editing, overthinking, or striving for literary brilliance. It's about getting those words down. The idea is that you can't edit a blank page, but you can always refine a messy first draft. This mindset is incredibly liberating for many writers who get stuck trying to make every sentence perfect from the get-go.

The Community Aspect

One of the most powerful elements of DenNoWriMo is our community. With write-ins (both in-person and virtual) generally every day of the month in November, it brings a strong sense of camaraderie. You're not doing this alone. Sharing successes, frustrations, and tips with other writers who are going through the same challenge can be a huge motivator. It turns what can often be a solitary pursuit into a shared adventure.

Prepping for Success: Before November Hits

While DenNoWriMo officially kicks off on November 1st, a little pre-planning can make a huge difference in your success rate. Think of it as laying the groundwork so you're not scrambling on day one.

Idea Generation and Brainstorming

You don't need a perfectly outlined plot, but having a general idea of your story, characters, and setting before November 1st is a good move.

Character Sketches

Who are your main characters? What do they want? What are their flaws? Knowing these things can help them feel more real and make their actions more consistent, even if you’re pantsing (writing without an outline). A simple list of traits or even a short paragraph for each major character can be very helpful. Try to think about their motivations and how they might react to different situations.

World-Building Basics

Is your story set in a familiar city, a fantasy land, or a futuristic society? A basic understanding of your world's rules, history, and geography (if relevant) will save you from major plot holes later. You don't need to write an encyclopedia, but knowing, for example, if magic exists, or what the political climate is like, can guide your writing. Even for contemporary stories, thinking about the specific neighborhood or community your characters inhabit can add texture.

Plot Seeds or a Loose Outline

Some writers love detailed outlines; others prefer to wing it. For DenNoWriMo, falling somewhere in the middle is often most effective. Have a beginning, a general idea of the conflict, and perhaps a desired ending. This gives you direction without stifling creativity. Even a bullet-point list of major plot points—a "beat sheet"—can be a lifesaver when you hit a wall mid-month. Consider the classic three-act structure: what's the inciting incident, what are the rising actions, what's the climax, and what's the resolution?

Setting Up Your Writing Environment

Your physical and digital writing space can significantly impact your productivity.

Dedicated Writing Space

Even if it's just a corner of your kitchen table, try to designate a spot specifically for writing. This helps train your brain to get into "writing mode" when you sit down there. Keep it as clutter-free as possible.

Tools of the Trade

Whether you prefer a simple word processor like Google Docs or more robust tools like Scrivener or Ulysses, make sure it’s ready to go. Use TrackBear to track word count to keep you motivated. Freedom or similar apps can block distracting websites if you find yourself constantly checking social media. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones can also be a game-changer.

Schedule Your Writing Time

Look at your November calendar now. When can you realistically carve out time to write? Even 30-minute blocks can accumulate words quickly. Consistency is more important than marathon sessions. Treat these time slots like non-negotiable appointments. Consider your peak productivity times; are you a morning person or a night owl? Schedule your writing accordingly.