Pep Talk from Michelle Kellogg

by | Nov 2, 2026 | Pep Talks

Hey there, By the time you read this, the first full day of November will have passed. Whether you joined us at the kickoff party, joined on the Discord, joined some other November novel-writing challenge group, joined a write-in, or just wrote in the comfort of your...
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DenNoWriMo Code of Conduct

Effective October 15, 2026

DenNoWriMo exists so writers of every background and skill level can find their people and finish their stories. This Code of Conduct describes how we treat one another so that every member, especially our youngest, can write in a space that is welcoming, respectful, and safe.

By participating in any DenNoWriMo space, you agree to follow this code. It works alongside our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Where This Code Applies

This code applies in every space DenNoWriMo operates or sponsors:

  • It applies on our website, dennowrimo.org.
  • It applies on our Discord server and in our Facebook group.
  • It applies at write-ins, workshops, trade shows, and other events.
  • It applies in any other channel where you participate as a DenNoWriMo member, volunteer, or representative.

Conduct outside these spaces may also be considered when it affects the safety of our members, particularly minors.

Expected Behavior

  • Treat every person with kindness and respect, whatever their genre, experience, or word count.
  • Welcome newcomers and help them find their footing.
  • Give feedback only when it is invited, and keep it constructive.
  • Respect other people's work as their own; never copy, share, or post someone else's writing without permission.
  • Use content warnings when discussing or sharing material on sensitive topics.
  • Respect people's boundaries, including requests to end a conversation.
  • Follow the instructions of event hosts, moderators, and Board members.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behavior is not allowed in any DenNoWriMo space:

  • Harassment, threats, intimidation, or stalking of any kind are prohibited.
  • Hate speech and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, body size, national origin, or any other identity are prohibited.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention, comments, or contact are prohibited.
  • Sharing another person's private information without consent, also known as doxxing, is prohibited.
  • Plagiarism and passing off someone else's writing as your own are prohibited.
  • Spam, unsolicited advertising, and repeated self-promotion outside designated channels are prohibited.
  • Deliberately disrupting events, sprints, or discussions is prohibited.
  • Encouraging or covering up any of the above behavior is prohibited.

Generative AI

DenNoWriMo believes creativity is a human endeavor. Generative AI has no place in DenNoWriMo projects or DenNoWriMo spaces.

  • Do not use generative AI to write, outline, or edit text for your DenNoWriMo project.
  • Do not post AI-generated writing, images, or other content in any DenNoWriMo space.
  • Do not submit other members' writing to generative AI tools for any purpose.
  • We trust members to follow this standard voluntarily and will not investigate individual projects.

Spelling and grammar checkers that do not generate new text are permitted, as are text-to-voice and voice-to-text.

Protecting Minors

DenNoWriMo welcomes writers ages 13 and older. Some of our members are minors, meaning they are under 18. Every adult in our community shares responsibility for keeping them safe.

Rules for All Adult Members

  • Adults may not send private messages, direct messages, or friend requests to members they know or reasonably believe to be minors, on Discord or any other platform.
  • Adults may not ask minors for personal information, including their home address, school, phone number, photos, or accounts on other platforms.
  • Adults may not invite minors into private servers, group chats, or other spaces outside DenNoWriMo's community.
  • Adults may not arrange to meet minors outside DenNoWriMo events.
  • Adults may not engage in romantic, flirtatious, or sexual conversation with minors, or share sexual content with them in any form.
  • Adults must keep discussion of mature writing content in channels restricted to members 18 and older.

Discord

  • Every member must select an age role when joining our Discord server.
  • Channels for mature content are restricted to members with the 18+ role.
  • Members who misrepresent their age will be removed from the server.

Moderators

Moderators hold positions of trust and are held to a higher standard.

  • Every moderator must be 18 or older and approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Each moderator must review and agree to this Code of Conduct every year.
  • Moderators may not contact minors privately for any reason, including moderation issues; they must address concerns in a public channel or through a moderation channel visible to at least two moderators and/or Board members.
  • Moderators must forward any report involving a minor to the Board within 24 hours and may not investigate it alone.

Write-Ins and Events

Our write-ins are held in public venues, such as coffee shops and libraries, that welcome us as guests.

  • Follow the venue's rules and treat its staff and other customers with courtesy.
  • Support the venue when you can, and clean up after yourself.
  • Keep noise at a level that lets others write.
  • Respect other writers' focus during sprints and quiet writing time.
  • Minors are welcome at write-ins unless the write-in explicitly states it is 18+ or 21+; we encourage parents and guardians of members under 16 to attend with them.
  • Do not attend while impaired by alcohol or other substances.

The event host may ask anyone who violates this code to leave.

Photography and Video

DenNoWriMo occasionally takes photos and video at events to share on our website and social media.

  • Anyone who does not want to be photographed can tell the event host, who will make sure they are not included. 
  • DenNoWriMo will not post photos or video in which a minor can be identified without written consent from a parent or guardian.
  • If you appear in a DenNoWriMo photo or video and want it removed, email info@dennowrimo.org and we will take it down.
  • Members may not photograph or record other attendees without their permission, and may never photograph or record minors without a parent's or guardian's permission.

Reporting a Concern

If you see behavior that breaks this code, or something makes you uncomfortable, please report it. You don't need proof, and you don't need to be sure.

  • For concerns in Discord, contact a moderator or use the reporting channel.
  • For concerns at an event, tell the event host.
  • For any concern involving a minor, or about a moderator, host, or Board member, email the Board directly at info@dennowrimo.org.
  • If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
  • To report suspected child abuse in Colorado, call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437).

We keep reports as confidential as possible while we investigate. DenNoWriMo does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report.

Consequences and Appeals

Depending on the seriousness of a violation, DenNoWriMo may take any of the following actions:

  1. We may give a private reminder or warning.
  2. We may remove content.
  3. We may temporarily suspend access to the website, Discord, Facebook group, or events.
  4. We may permanently remove the member from all DenNoWriMo spaces, both online and in person.

We may skip steps for serious violations. Any violation involving a minor will be investigated by the Board of Directors and may result in immediate permanent removal. Where appropriate, DenNoWriMo will report conduct to law enforcement.

Members who believe a decision was made in error may appeal by emailing the Board at info@dennowrimo.org  within 30 days. The Board's decision on appeal is final.

Changes and Contact

The Board of Directors may update this code as our community grows. We will post the effective date of each version at the top of this page and announce significant changes in our newsletter and on Discord.

Parents, guardians, and members with questions about this code may contact the Board at any time at info@dennowrimo.org.

Effective date: October 15, 2026

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DenNoWriMo Terms of Service

Effective October 15, 2026

Who We Are and Agreeing to These Terms

Denver Novel Writing Month ("DenNoWriMo," "we," "us," or "our") is a Colorado nonprofit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. These Terms of Service govern your use of dennowrimo.org and the other spaces we operate.

By creating an account or using our website, you agree to these terms, our Code of Conduct, and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

Eligibility and Age

You must be at least 13 years old to create a DenNoWriMo account.

  • Writers under 13. We cannot create accounts for writers under 13. We encourage younger writers to connect with Denver Writes for community and to use TrackBear for tracking their progress.
  • Writers ages 13 to 17. Teen members receive a restricted account, described in Member Profiles and Visibility below. By creating a teen account, you confirm that a parent or guardian has reviewed these terms and the Code of Conduct with you and agrees to them on your behalf.
  • Writers 18 and older. Adult members have access to all features of our website.

You must provide your accurate month and year of birth when you sign up. Providing a false birth date to gain access to features is a violation of these terms. When a teen member turns 18, we will email them an invitation to upgrade to a full account.

Your Account

  • You must provide accurate information when you create your account and keep it up to date.
  • You may hold only one account, and you may not share it or transfer it to anyone else.
  • You are responsible for keeping your password secure and for all activity under your account.
  • You must tell us promptly at info@dennowrimo.org if you believe someone has accessed your account without permission.
  • You may delete your account at any time by accessing your account settings if 18+ or by emailing us if you are under 18.

Member Profiles and Visibility

Adult members. Adult members may add optional information to their profiles, such as a biography, links to social media, and images. Adult profiles are visible to other logged-in adult members. Do not include information on your profile that you are not comfortable sharing with the community.

Teen members. To protect members under 18, teen accounts are restricted:

  • Teen members cannot add biographies, images, social media links, or other optional profile information.
  • Teen profiles are not visible to other members and can be viewed only by members of our Board of Directors.
  • Teen members cannot view other members' profiles.
  • Teen members are not offered newsletter or marketing communications.
  • Teen members' public display names from TrackBear are visible on leaderboards.

Community Conduct

Our Code of Conduct is part of these terms. It applies on our website, our Discord server, our Facebook group, and at our events. It includes our rules for protecting minors and our standard on generative AI.

When using our website, you also agree not to:

  • Upload viruses, malware, or other harmful code.
  • Scrape, harvest, or collect other members' information.
  • Attempt to access accounts, data, or areas of the site you are not authorized to use.
  • Interfere with the operation or security of the website.
  • Use the website for any unlawful purpose.

Your Writing Stays Yours

You own your novel, your project details, and everything else you create. DenNoWriMo claims no ownership of your writing.

When you post content on our website, such as profile information or comments, you give DenNoWriMo a limited, nonexclusive, royalty-free license to display that content on our website for the purpose of running our community. This license ends when you delete the content or your account, except where others have already shared or quoted it.

DenNoWriMo will never:

  • Sell your writing or your content.
  • Use your writing or your content to train generative AI.
  • Share your writing or your content with anyone for that purpose.

You are responsible for what you post. Only post content you have the right to share.

Our Content and Name

The DenNoWriMo name, logos, fox artwork, website design, and original website content belong to DenNoWriMo or its contributors. You may share links to our pages and use our name to refer to our organization. You may not use our logos or artwork, or suggest that we endorse you, without written permission.

DenNoWriMo is an independent organization. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a successor to National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo, and any NaNoWriMo trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Third-Party Services

Our community uses services run by other companies, including:

  • TrackBear, which tracks your projects and word counts and shares that information with our website.
  • Discord and Facebook, where we host community spaces.
  • Our donation platform, currently Givebutter, which processes donations.

These services have their own terms and privacy policies, and your use of them is governed by those terms. DenNoWriMo does not control these services and is not responsible for their availability, content, or practices. Our Privacy Policy explains what information we share with them.

Donations

Donations support DenNoWriMo's programs, events, and operations. Donating is voluntary and is never required to participate.

  • Tax deductibility. DenNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 41-4934860. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt by email for your records.
  • Refunds. Donations are generally nonrefundable. If you made a donation in error, contact us at info@dennowrimo.org within 30 days, and we will review your request.
  • Recurring donations. You may cancel a recurring donation at any time through our donation platform or by contacting us. Cancellation stops future charges but does not refund past donations.
  • Platform tips. Our donation platform may ask you for an optional tip. Tips go to the platform, not to DenNoWriMo, and are not tax-deductible donations to us.
  • No benefits. Donating does not give you special access, status, or influence within the community.

Write-Ins and Events

Our write-ins and events are free*, open to the public, and held at public venues that DenNoWriMo does not own or control.

  • Attendance is voluntary, and you attend at your own risk.
  • DenNoWriMo is not responsible for the condition of venues, for your travel to and from events, or for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
  • Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising minors who attend.
  • Event details, including dates, times, locations, and accessibility information, may change. Please check our events calendar before attending.
  • DenNoWriMo may photograph or record events as described in our Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy.

*The Black Friday Denver Museum of Nature & Science write-in is technically free; however, museum admission is a separate cost.

Disclaimers, Limitation of Liability, and Indemnification

Disclaimers. DenNoWriMo is a volunteer-run community. We provide our website, resources, and events "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee that the website will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that any resource or advice will help you finish your novel. We are not responsible for content posted by members.

Limitation of liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, DenNoWriMo and its directors, officers, volunteers, and moderators will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our website, services, or events. Our total liability for any claim will not exceed $100. Some jurisdictions do not allow these limitations, so they may not apply to you.

Indemnification. You agree to defend and hold harmless DenNoWriMo and its directors, officers, volunteers, and moderators from any claims, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from your violation of these terms or the Code of Conduct, or from content you post.

Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or close your account, remove your content, or bar you from our spaces if you violate these terms or the Code of Conduct, or if we need to protect our members, especially minors. This includes conduct in our Discord server, our Facebook group, or at events. The Code of Conduct describes how members may appeal.

You may close your account at any time. When an account is closed, we delete or anonymize your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy. The sections of these terms on content ownership, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, and governing law continue to apply after your account is closed.

Governing Law and Disputes

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules.

If you have a concern, please contact us first at info@dennowrimo.org; most problems can be resolved informally. Any legal dispute that cannot be resolved informally will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Denver County, Colorado, and you and DenNoWriMo consent to those courts' jurisdiction.

If any part of these terms is found unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. Our failure to enforce any part of these terms is not a waiver of our right to do so later.

Changes to These Terms and Contact

We may update these terms from time to time. We will post the new effective date at the top of this page and notify members of significant changes by email or a notice on our website at least 14 days before they take effect. If you keep using our website after changes take effect, you accept the updated terms.

Questions about these terms may be sent to:

Denver Novel Writing Month: info@dennowrimo.org 

Effective date: October 15, 2026

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