Every November, writers worldwide dive into the whirlwind of NaNoWriMo—a 30-day challenge to write a 50,000-word novel. At first glance, it might seem like an exercise in creative chaos, but beneath the frenzy lies an opportunity to develop skills that can reshape your writing process for the better. For me, NaNoWriMo has been a crash course in building habits that have transformed how I approach storytelling.
1. Quick Decision-Making
Before NaNoWriMo, I was notorious for getting stuck in decision-making loops. Should my protagonist turn left or right? Would this scene work better in a café or a park? NaNoWriMo doesn’t leave room for overthinking—there’s no time. This challenge forces you to make decisions on the spot and trust your instincts, a skill that’s spilled over into my regular writing sessions. I’ve learned to keep the momentum going by letting the story flow, knowing I can refine details later during revisions.
2. Banishing the Inner Editor
I’ll admit, my inner editor can be a bit of a tyrant. I used to spend hours tweaking sentences before I even finished a paragraph. But NaNoWriMo’s pace demands that I silence that inner critic. The goal is words on the page, not perfection. And guess what? It’s liberating. The process of letting go has taught me that messy first drafts are not only okay—they’re necessary. Writing freely has allowed me to uncover ideas and plot twists that might never have surfaced if I’d been obsessing over every word.
3. Pacing a Story
Writing 50,000 words in a month forces you to think critically about pacing. How do you keep a story moving at this speed? For me, it’s about hitting key story beats and keeping the characters active. NaNoWriMo has helped me recognize when my story is dragging and when it needs a push. This awareness of pacing has stuck with me, making my stories feel tighter and more engaging even after the challenge ends.
4. Building a Daily Writing Habit
Consistency is key in writing, but before this challenge, I often struggled to make it a daily practice. The challenge’s word count goal pushes you to show up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Over time, this has become ingrained in my routine. I’ve discovered that writing daily—even just a little—keeps the story fresh in my mind and makes it easier to pick up where I left off.
5. Learning to Prioritize Creativity
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to put writing on the back burner. NaNoWriMo has taught me to prioritize my creative time. During November, I actively carve out moments to write—whether it’s waking up early, skipping a TV show, or using nap time if you’re a parent like me. It’s a reminder that writing deserves a spot in my schedule, not just when it’s convenient.
Final Thoughts
NaNoWriMo is more than just a word count challenge—it’s a transformative experience. It has pushed me to trust my instincts, embrace imperfection, and establish habits that make me a more productive and confident writer. Even when November ends, the lessons stick with me, shaping how I approach my stories year-round.
If you’ve participated in NaNoWriMo, how has it changed your writing process? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your insights!
Elizabeth Yuen 