Writing 50,000 words in 30 days is an incredible feat—one that brings excitement, creative highs, and, yes, a few potential pitfalls. But with the right preparation, you can avoid common roadblocks and make your November a month of steady progress and writing wins.

Whether this is your first NaNoWriMo or you’re a seasoned participant, knowing what mistakes to watch out for can help you keep your momentum, stay motivated, and enjoy the process. 

Here are five of the biggest NaNoWriMo missteps to avoid, so you can go into Day 1 with confidence and reach the finish line stronger than ever.

1. Setting Unrealistic Word Count Goals

The typical NaNoWriMo target is 1,667 words per day, but life doesn’t always give you uninterrupted writing hours. Many writers make the mistake of aiming too high without building in some flexibility.

Instead, give yourself a weekly word goal, allowing for a few lighter days or even a day off. This lets you adapt to busier days without the pressure of catching up on a large word count all at once. Whether you’re aiming for the full 50,000 words or adjusting the target to fit your life, having realistic goals makes it much easier to stay consistent and avoid burnout.

2. Skipping Story Planning and Prep

Diving into a story with nothing but a blank page can work well for some, but most writers hit a wall without at least a little preparation. Neglecting basic planning is a common mistake, often leading to writer’s block and mid-month panic.

Even if you’re a pantser at heart, spending a few minutes before each session to think about what’s coming next can keep you on track. This might mean creating a quick outline, jotting down your main character’s goals, or sketching out key plot points. 

Read more about planning for NaNoWriMo: Preptober Guide: Build Your Story Before NaNoWriMo Begins

3. Ignoring Physical and Mental Self-Care

Writing every day takes a toll, and it’s all too easy to get swept up in the excitement, neglecting your own needs. Long writing sessions without breaks can lead to physical strain, fatigue, and even burnout, which can halt your progress and dampen your enthusiasm.

Try incorporating breaks throughout your writing sessions using the Pomodoro Technique (write for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) or your own interval. A quick walk, stretching, or some mindful breathing can go a long way toward keeping your energy up. 

Remember, NaNoWriMo is a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself so you stay healthy and motivated through November and beyond. 

Discover more ways to take part in this year's NaNoWriMo without burning out. 

4. Fixating on Perfection

NaNoWriMo is about quantity, not quality. Yet many writers, especially those new to the challenge, get caught up in editing and refining as they go. Trying to write and perfect every sentence can slow you down and stifle your creativity.

Instead, embrace the idea of a “messy first draft" (or "shitty first draft", as Anne Lamott would call it). Let yourself make mistakes, and don’t worry about fixing them until later. Focus on getting the story down, not making it perfect. 

When November ends, you’ll have a full draft to work with—and revision will be much easier when the story is complete.

5. Isolating Yourself from Other Writers

Writing can feel like a solitary endeavor, but NaNoWriMo is a global community event. Attempting the challenge alone is a common mistake that can leave you feeling disconnected, especially on hard or busy days when motivation wanes.

Connecting with other writers can help keep your spirits high and hold you accountable. Join virtual write-ins, check out online forums, or join a local writing group if possible. 

There are a number of different writing communities out there waiting for you to find them. Consider your own goals and writing needs when looking for a community to join. The Daily Prompt community is a supportive environment for meeting other writers and sharing encouragement, advice, and support along the way.

Finish Strong by Avoiding These Common Pitfalls

NaNoWriMo is a worthwhile and demanding journey, but knowing what mistakes to avoid can help you enjoy the experience and reach your writing goals. By setting realistic goals, planning ahead, prioritizing self-care, letting go of perfectionism, and connecting with other writers, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Avoid writer's block this NaNoWriMo: Try our brand new Plot Builder for free.

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is almost here, and if you’re planning to tackle those 50,000 words, you’ve probably already realized that preparation is key.

While some writers love diving into their story with nothing more than a spark, others find that a bit of structure gives them the confidence and clarity to write every day, hit their word count, and ultimately complete NaNoWriMo. 

In this post, we’ll walk through how to make the most of Preptober, so by Day 1, you’re set up to succeed.

1. Nail Down Your Big Idea

Start by clarifying the heart of your story. This can be your premise, a central question, or a “what if” scenario. For instance, ask yourself questions like:

• What’s the driving conflict or main challenge in my story?

• What’s unique or intriguing about my characters or setting?

• What change or journey will my protagonist undergo?

Summing up your story’s core in one or two sentences can help solidify your focus and serve as a guiding star through NaNoWriMo. If you can express your story’s central concept clearly, it’ll be easier to stay motivated and prevent mid-month detours.

2. Map Out Your Plot

Planning doesn’t mean you need to have every chapter outlined in detail, but a roadmap is invaluable. Try a flexible outline, like the three-act structure or the hero’s journey, to give your story some shape.

Tips to kickstart your plot outline:

• Create a rough beginning, middle, and end: Identify where your protagonist starts, a major turning point, and where you want them to end up.

• Brainstorm key scenes: Make a list of scenes that excite you or moments that feel essential to the story.

• Use the Plot Builder to uncover your plot: Our Plot Builder can generate prompts to help you explore your plot, characters, and setting in more detail. Use it to get new perspectives and a deeper understanding of your novel before November starts.

Outlining gives you a foundation, but don’t worry about sticking to it strictly. Your characters or plot may evolve as you write, and that’s part of the creative journey!

3. Develop Your Characters

Characters are the heart of any story, and well-developed ones can keep you interested and motivated to write. Take some time in Preptober to understand your main characters deeply.

Here’s a checklist to help you flesh out your cast:

• Backstory: What are the significant events in your character’s past? How do these experiences shape who they are?

• Goals and motivations: What does each character want, and why? What are they willing to risk

• Flaws and strengths: No one’s perfect! Give your characters realistic traits, quirks, and contradictions.

• Relationships: How do your characters relate to one another? Consider any tension, friendship, romance, or rivalry that might drive the plot forward.

For extra inspiration, create detailed character profiles, or use prompts to explore your characters’ inner lives. Our Plot Builder tool can help here too, with prompts tailored to deepen and complicate your characters’ arcs.

4. Imagine Your Setting

A well-developed setting adds depth and believability to your story. Whether you’re creating a sprawling fantasy kingdom or a sleepy coastal town, think about the setting’s mood, culture, and atmosphere.

Preptober setting tasks to try:

• Map it out: Sketch a rough map or layout of your story’s primary locations, such as the protagonist’s home, the town center, or a secret hideaway.

• Explore sensory details: What sounds, smells, and sights define this place? This can make your setting feel vivid.

• Establish rules and culture: If your story’s world has unique customs, laws, or social hierarchies, jot them down to avoid inconsistencies as you write.

Spending a bit of time on your setting can provide a strong visual and emotional backdrop for your scenes, giving you—and your readers—a more immersive experience.

5. Set Personal Goals and Build a Routine

NaNoWriMo requires steady progress, so think about how you’ll handle your writing routine before the month begins.

• Daily or weekly word count goals: 1,667 words per day gets you to 50,000 by the end of November. If that seems daunting, consider a weekly target that fits your schedule.

• Writing time and space: Identify when and where you’ll write each day. Having a dedicated space (even if it’s just a favorite chair) can signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.

• Inspiration boosts: Consider how you’ll recharge your creativity. A pre-writing playlist, a “story mood board,” or a collection of favorite quotes could be helpful.

Setting up these routines in October means they’ll feel natural by the time NaNoWriMo starts. Plus, establishing a sustainable habit early can help you avoid burnout and stay consistent. 

6. Stock Up on Writing Resources

Finally, gather any tools or resources you might need for the month. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Story tools: Keep a journal, sticky notes, or a document where you can jot down ideas and notes as they come.

• Reference material: If your story involves research, such as historical facts, folklore, or science, organize your notes for easy access.

• Writing community: Connecting with other writers can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a group of friends, an online forum, or virtual write-ins, having a support system can keep you motivated.

And don’t forget that Daily Prompt offers resources like personalized prompts, a community of writers, and the Plot Builder tool to help guide your NaNoWriMo journey.

Make the Most of Preptober

A bit of planning and prep can go a long way in helping you hit the ground running on November 1st. By nailing down your story’s big idea, crafting a flexible outline, fleshing out your characters and setting, and establishing a writing routine, you’ll be ready to tackle NaNoWriMo with confidence.

Increase your chances of success during this year's NaNoWriMo. Check out our other guides:

• Realistic NaNoWriMo Goals: Top Tips for Busy Writers

• NaNoWriMo Self-Care: How to Reach 50,000 Words Without Burning Out

• 6 Best NaNoWriMo Alternatives in 2024

Every writer knows the thrill of a fresh idea: the story potential just waiting to unfold. But once you’re staring at a blank page, that excitement can quickly turn into overwhelm. What if there was a tool that could break down this intimidating task into a series of manageable, inspiring steps?

We’re excited to introduce the Daily Prompt Plot Builder. Whether you’re crafting a novel or looking to develop a character or scene, our Plot Builder will guide you through each stage of your creative process, helping you shape your ideas into something tangible, bit by bit.

What is the Daily Prompt Plot Builder?

The Plot Builder takes a simple story summary—just 50 to 250 words—and transforms it into a tailored writing roadmap. By generating a series of prompts customized to your story, it helps you explore every angle of your plot, characters, and setting. Each prompt nudges you to consider new perspectives, add depth, and build a story that feels richer and more complete.

Who is Plot Builder For?

The Plot Builder is designed for anyone looking to enrich their writing practice, from novice writers to seasoned authors. It’s especially helpful if:

• You struggle with writer’s block and want prompts to keep ideas flowing.

• You’re preparing for a challenge like NaNoWriMo and want to build a strong foundation for your story (it’ll make Preptober a breeze!).

• You’re aiming for a daily writing habit and need a structured, motivating way to develop your ideas.

• You’re looking to deepen your story’s layers through focused prompts on plot, character, and setting.

Why Writers Love Plot Builder

Here’s how the Plot Builder takes your storytelling to the next level:

1. Tailored Prompts for Your Story: Unlike generic writing prompts, the Plot Builder generates questions based on your unique story idea. This helps you build a plot that’s truly yours, diving into specific character motivations, conflicts, and settings.

2. Fresh Perspectives and Depth: Each prompt opens new perspectives on your story. From character motivations to emotional arcs, you’ll examine each part of your plot with a new lens, adding layers and complexity.

3. Momentum Made Easy: Even on the tough days, the Plot Builder helps you keep moving. These guided questions give you the nudge you need to overcome obstacles and keep writing with confidence.

How to Get Started with Plot Builder

1. Share Your Plot Idea: Start with a summary of your story. Describe anything from a high-stakes dystopia to a quirky romance; the more detail, the better the prompts.

2. Generate Your Prompts: The Plot Builder will create a set of prompts organized by Plot, Character, and Setting, letting you focus on the area you need most.

3. Start Writing: Tackle each prompt one at a time. Maybe it’s the internal struggles of your protagonist or the risks of their journey. Each prompt is an invitation to discover something new.

4. Move at Your Own Pace: Switch between Plot, Character, and Setting categories as needed. The Plot Builder is flexible to match your creative flow.

Plot Builder: Prompt Examples

Here’s a few examples of how the Plot Builder created custom prompts based on unique story summaries:

Battle against the threat of AI

A unique, modern twist on the Cinderella story

The first manned mission to Mars doesn't go according to plan

Start Working Towards Your Next Story

Use our Plot Builder to make daily, achievable progress towards your writing goals. With each prompt, you’ll move closer to completing your story, get a clearer understanding of your plot and characters, all while making the writing process fun and rewarding.

Take advantage of the vibrant Daily Prompt community to receive feedback, encouragement, and advice as you build a lasting writing habit.

NaNoWriMo is an exciting challenge, but the pressure of hitting 50,000 words in 30 days can lead to burnout if you’re not careful. Staying healthy, motivated, and creatively inspired requires balancing your writing with effective self-care. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your well-being throughout the month and finish NaNoWriMo feeling accomplished, not exhausted.

1. Set Manageable Daily Goals

Setting a rigid daily goal of 1,667 words might work for some, but for others, it can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, consider setting a flexible daily goal. Aim for a range, like 1,000 to 1,500 words per day, allowing also for rest days if needed. Consistency is key, but giving yourself some wiggle room can prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Of course, this way you might not reach the 50,000 word goal, but even writing 20-30k words in November is a solid achievement. 

If you find yourself hitting a creative wall, our Plot Builder can help. This tool creates custom prompts tailored to your unique novel ideas, making it easier to push through writer's block and regain momentum. With personalized prompts that align with your story, you’ll have a steady source of inspiration to help make consistent writing progress, even on tough days.

2. Prioritize Rest and Sleep

Sleep is essential for cognitive function, creativity, and focus, yet it’s often the first thing sacrificed during NaNoWriMo. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Consistently sacrificing sleep can lead to irritability, mental fatigue, and reduced creativity. To stay on track, set a bedtime routine that helps you unwind, even if it means ending your writing session a little earlier.

Establishing a regular sleep schedule, even during a busy month, will help you feel refreshed and focused each day, making your writing sessions more productive.

3. Practice the Pomodoro Technique for Writing Sessions

Writing for hours on end without breaks can lead to mental fatigue, so consider using the Pomodoro Technique. This method involves writing for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, which can help maintain focus while reducing strain.

It can take some time to get into the writing flow, so perhaps 25 minutes feels too short. Research by Desktime suggests that a 52-minute work period followed by a 17-minute break can also maximize productivity, so experiment with intervals that work best for you.

Breaks allow your mind to recharge, preventing burnout and keeping your creativity sharp. During these breaks, stretch, hydrate, or even do a quick mindfulness exercise to stay grounded.

4. Incorporate Gentle Movement

Sitting for long periods can take a toll on both your body and mind, affecting posture, energy, and creativity. Incorporating gentle movement, like short walks, yoga stretches, or a quick exercise routine, can boost mood and enhance creativity. 

Physical activity increases blood flow, which helps you feel more alert and ready to tackle your next writing session. Integrating these mini exercise breaks between writing sessions will keep you energized and prevent fatigue without taking too much time away from your NaNoWriMo goals.

5. Use Mindfulness to Manage Stress

Mindfulness is an effective way to manage stress, increase focus, and stay present. Techniques such as deep breathing or short meditation breaks can provide a mental reset when writing feels overwhelming. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditation sessions tailored for quick relaxation, helping you regain focus and reduce stress.

You don’t need to meditate for long; even a couple of minutes of deep breathing can help clear your mind and alleviate stress. Consider using mindfulness as part of your pre-writing routine or during breaks to stay centered.

6. Stay Hydrated and Fuel Your Body

Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial for maintaining energy levels and focus. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which are all detrimental to your writing. Keep a water bottle by your desk and sip it throughout your writing sessions.

Snacks like nuts, fruit, or yogurt are great for sustained energy without causing a sugar crash. Treat yourself to a nice cup of tea or coffee if it helps you focus, but keep caffeine in moderation to avoid jitters or late-night restlessness.

7. Connect with the Writing Community

While writing can be solitary, staying connected with others who understand the NaNoWriMo journey can provide much-needed support. Join virtual write-ins, chat in online forums, or engage in social media challenges. Being part of a supportive community can make the process more enjoyable and keep you motivated. Plus, sharing the ups and downs with others can help you stay grounded and energized.

If you’re looking for daily support and inspiration, Daily Prompt offers a thriving community of writers who understand the struggles of balancing creativity with self-care. Participating in write-ins and sharing progress with others can help you feel connected throughout NaNoWriMo.

Make Self-Care Part of Your NaNoWriMo Success

As you work toward your NaNoWriMo word count, remember that rest, movement, and community support are essential tools to keep you energized and inspired. By setting a realistic word goal, building consistent writing habits, and incorporating breaks with light movement, you’re giving yourself the balance needed to sustain creativity through the month. 

With a few mindful adjustments, you can make this NaNoWriMo both productive and fulfilling, one day at a time.

NaNoWriMo is an exciting yet demanding challenge, calling writers to complete a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. For many, though, the reality of balancing work, family, and life’s other commitments can make this goal feel daunting. If you’re determined to participate but aren’t sure how to fit writing into your busy schedule, you’re not alone!

Here are some practical tips for setting realistic NaNoWriMo goals that adapt to your life while helping you build a strong writing habit.

1. Set Flexible Word Count Goals

The traditional NaNoWriMo goal of 50,000 words in 30 days translates to roughly 1,667 words per day. But if that feels unmanageable, try setting a flexible word count goal that suits your lifestyle. For instance, aim to write something each day—whether it’s 500 words, 200 words, or even just a few sentences. By adjusting the word count to something achievable, you’re more likely to stick with it and make steady progress.

Even if you can’t reach 50,000 words, any consistent progress is still a win! A lower daily word goal can reduce pressure, make writing more enjoyable, and help you avoid burnout.

2. Build a Routine Around Your Busy Schedule

Finding time to write every day might feel impossible, but fitting in a few writing sessions each week can be just as effective. Look at your schedule realistically and decide on days and times you’re most likely to stick to. Whether it’s a quick 15 minutes in the morning, a focused lunch break, or a late-night session, choose times that fit your existing routine.

The key is consistency—writing at the same time, even for a short period, builds momentum. If daily writing isn’t feasible, aim for several sessions throughout the week. You might find that some days allow for longer writing sessions, which can balance out lighter writing days. Experiment with using triggers like a certain location, a specific type of tea/coffee, or a go-to writing playlist to signal your brain that it’s writing time. These small rituals can help you get into the zone faster and make the habit feel natural.

3. Use Prompts to Get Started Quickly

When time is tight, spending half your session brainstorming ideas can be frustrating. Using prompts is a fantastic way to bypass the blank page and get straight to writing. Whether you’re brainstorming scenes, diving into dialogue, or developing a character, prompts can help get you started in minutes. 

Our Plot Builder feature takes this a step further by generating custom prompts tailored to your story idea, perfect for getting you out of a slump, sparking inspiration, or exploring different ways to tell your story. With a well-placed prompt, you can dive into your writing session with direction and purpose, even on busy days.

4. Prioritize Story Development Over Word Count

While hitting word count goals is motivating, story development is equally important. Spend some time each week planning your next scenes, sketching character arcs, or mapping out plot points. Having a clear idea of where you’re headed makes writing sessions smoother and more productive.

Our Novel Prep prompts package can also come in handy here, helping you flesh out your ideas and keep your story organized before NaNoWriMo even begins. Focusing on these preparatory steps allows you to prioritize quality storytelling without feeling the need to rush through each scene just for the sake of hitting a number.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to get discouraged if you fall short of a daily word count goal, but remember that every word you write is progress. Celebrate even the smallest victories—a scene finished, a character fleshed out, or a new plot point introduced. These small wins add up and keep you motivated for the long run.

Celebrate each day you show up to write, regardless of the word count. NaNoWriMo is as much about building a habit as it is about writing a novel. Acknowledging your progress will help you stay motivated and inspired, even on challenging days.

6. Rethink the Finish Line

If reaching 50,000 words isn’t realistic for you this year, redefine what success looks like. Consider setting a personal milestone based on what you can accomplish given your other commitments. This could mean finishing a certain number of chapters, writing on specific days of the week, or hitting a personal word count goal.

The most important thing is to establish a pace that feels rewarding and sustainable. NaNoWriMo is about building a writing habit and getting your story down on paper, even if it means taking a different path to get there.

Embrace NaNoWriMo on Your Own Terms

NaNoWriMo is a powerful experience for aspiring authors, but remember: it’s not a one-size-fits-all challenge. By adapting your goals to your unique schedule, exploring NaNoWriMo alternatives that better fit your life, and using resources like Daily Prompt for inspiration, you can still achieve something meaningful this November. Embrace progress over perfection, and let each day’s writing session bring you closer to your story.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is one of the most celebrated annual events for writers worldwide—a 30-day challenge to draft a 50,000-word novel in November. For years, it's helped you build discipline, tackle ambitious projects, and find support in a dedicated community.

Our Novel Prep Prompts Collection was crafted with NaNoWriMo in mind, designed to accompany Prep-tober and help you prepare for the big month.

But recently, NaNoWriMo has come under scrutiny, leading many to seek alternatives. We won’t dive too deeply into the controversies here, but some recent decisions regarding community moderation and generative AI haven't sat well with everyone.

If you're looking for an alternative to NaNoWriMo this year, here are some exciting options to consider:

1. StoryADay

StoryADay puts a fresh spin on the month-long challenge by encouraging you to complete one short story per day. With a focus on shorter pieces, this challenge boosts creativity, completion skills, and consistency. Ideal for anyone who struggles to finish projects, StoryADay provides daily practice that helps you generate ideas quickly and write under pressure—a valuable skill for long-form writing as well. The community keeps motivation high with prompts, forums, and a supportive environment that celebrates each small success.

Although StoryADay officially runs in May and September, you can tackle the challenge on your own schedule anytime.

2. Shut Up & Write

Shut Up & Write (SUAW) hosts virtual and in-person writing sessions designed to help you "shut up and write" for focused blocks of time. Perfect if you thrive on accountability, this community offers a motivating, structured environment where you can dive into your work with minimal distraction.

By joining a session, you’re surrounded (virtually or physically) by others engaged in deep focus, creating a social yet productive atmosphere. It’s a great fit if you’re looking to make writing a consistent, communal part of your routine.

Events are hosted year-round, and SUAW is always searching for new event hosts in different cities. If you want to step up to the challenge and find in-person writing support, check it out!

3. Fiction Frenzy Writing Challenge

Also known as FicFrenzy, this challenge gives you a unique opportunity to carve out time for creative pursuits while connecting with a community for encouragement and accountability. Since its first event, FallFicFrenzy, in 2022, Fic Frenzy has grown into seasonal challenges designed to fit any schedule or writing goal.

Unlike NaNoWriMo, Fic Frenzy lets you choose your own objectives, whether it’s reaching a specific word count, editing a certain number of pages, or working across multiple projects. This flexible format emphasizes progress over perfection, ideal if you’re balancing a busy life but still aiming to move forward with your WIPs.

Each year, Fic Frenzy hosts three month-long events—in spring (March 15 – April 15), summer (June 15 – July 15), and fall (October 15 – November 15). With its strong community aspect, Fic Frenzy is perfect if you’re working toward long-term goals, like finishing a novel, honing your craft, or building a consistent writing practice.

4. A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80)

Also known as “the writing challenge that knows you have a life,” ROW80 is a refreshing alternative if you’re looking for flexibility and balance in your creative goals. Unlike NaNoWriMo, with its one-size-fits-all objective, ROW80 recognizes that every writer’s journey—and schedule—is different. Instead of a single, intense goal, you set your own customized, measurable targets for each 80-day round, such as word count goals, hours dedicated to writing, or pages edited per week.

With four rounds per year, ROW80 encourages steady progress and a “write to live” approach that lets you balance real-life responsibilities with your passion for storytelling. Throughout each challenge, you’re encouraged to check in twice per week and post updates on your progress. The community is one of the challenge's greatest assets, and organizers recommend joining their Facebook Group or Twitter to connect with others.

5. ZapWhamPow!

A challenge that’s gained momentum, thanks to TikTok, is ZapWhamPow—a three-part journey for writers and readers alike:

• ZAP: Zealous, All-Consuming Planning – Dive into outlines, character building, playlists, and all things prep work.

• WHAM: Writing Hard All Month – Like NaNoWriMo’s 50,000-word goal but with more flexibility. Whether you’re working on poems, short stories, or a novella, anything goes! Scheduled in October, you even get an extra day (and an hour, with the time change in some time zones).

• POW: Perusing Over Words – A reading challenge to set and meet your own reading targets.

Join this Bookish Challenge community to connect with other literature lovers and share your progress.

6. Daily Prompt

While not a challenge itself, Daily Prompt offers a creative spark each day with thought-provoking prompts to keep you inspired. Our thriving community offers a chance for regular engagement, feedback and encouragement, even hosting write-ins on a regular basis.

One standout feature is our Plot Builder, where you can generate custom prompts based on your own novel ideas. It’s ideal if you’re feeling stuck, need fresh ideas, or want to explore new story angles.

Get started for free: download the app or try it on the web.

There are several NaNoWriMo alternatives out there, providing you with the opportunity to make measured progress towards your novel all year round, with the support and encouragement you need. Whatever path you choose, remember: the journey matters just as much as the destination, and every word brings you closer to the story only you can tell.

This year’s National Novel Writing Contest (NaNoWriMo) is coming up in one month’s time and authors from all over the world are getting ready to spend the month of November to write 50,000 words of a novel. To celebrate this exciting time of the year, we’ve released a brand new Novel Preparation package with 31 writing prompts to help you prepare. 

Below, we share a few out of our favourites to get you started. To complete the entire package, sign up to Daily Prompt Premium. 

Should you write for NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo drums up a lot of excitement in the writing world, and with good reason. So many of us writers have a book we’ll write “some day” and NaNoWriMo challenges us to make that happen today instead. 

With thousands of other writers taking part each year, it helps transform a solitary (and quite frankly gruelling) task into a shared experience. You might have a bad day, and struggle with writer’s block, but there’s comfort when you look online and find that you’re not alone in that. 

Perhaps the best reason of all to get involved is the focus it is on writing without editing. One of the biggest obstacles any of us face while writing is our inner critic. Its harsh voice discourages us and poops on our ideas, so we barely make it past the first paragraph. With NaNoWriMo, however, the focus is to just get 50,000 words down. No editing. No reading back. Just simply write…

With that in mind, to get off to a strong start, it’s time to start preparing for this year’s event. Follow these 6 writing prompts to start exploring your novel for NaNoWriMo 2021: 

1. Describe an average day in the life of your protagonist before your story starts

You don’t have to write a dramatic story, just get into the mindset of your character and think about their daily behaviours, interactions and emotions.

This helps you explore your main character better and understand their idiosyncrasies. How do they react to the everyday circumstances? What crosses their mind on a typical day? Where do they put their focus?

2. Write a 100-word description of your main character's physical appearance

Consider which features are most important to mention; which might factor into the story, or change the way the reader, and other characters, interact with your protagonist?

You’ve explored what your protagonist thinks and acts like, now it’s time to fill in the gaps with their physical appearance. What makes them distinctive? How can you paint this picture in your reader’s mind?

3. Write a descriptive narrative about the world your novel is set in.

Step away from your main plot and consider how the world shapes your story. If your story takes place somewhere familiar (like the world today), focus on which elements of it will play into your story. 

Zoom out and look at where your protagonist is living. Consider how this might affect the plot you have in mind. 

4. How is your novel unique?

Whether it be a notable character, a plot twist, or an important message, how is this story your own? 

Why does this novel need to be written and why are you the one who should bring it to life?

Don’t put yourself under too much pressure to come up with the perfect answer here. This exercise is simply to challenge you to consider the uniqueness of the story you’re bringing to life. 

5. Make a list of exactly ten key plot points that will happen in your story.

If you can, get someone else to read these points and ask you questions about them – you may find you’ve missed key points or added in things that don’t matter.

This exercise is to help strengthen the ideas for your plot. Stories often start with one small idea, and this prompt helps you to expand beyond it to see if there are other elements of your novel you can explore. 

6. Take your protagonist out of your story, as if they do not exist. What are the lives of the other characters like without them?

Do your other characters have adventures and stories without the protagonist, or are they simply in your story to fulfil an extra role? In what ways would their lives be different?

Your novel will explore and touch the lives of other characters, too. This exercise helps you to paint a clearer picture of them in your mind and understand their personalities better. 

25 more prompts to help bring your novel to life

Our brand new prompt package about Novel Preparation is now available. It includes 31 different prompts to help you strengthen and explore your story idea throughout October ready for NaNoWriMo to start next month. 

Access the entire package on Daily Prompt Premium for iOS. It’s only £6.99 a month (or £34.99 for the year) and includes a week’s free trial to get you started.

The path of an author is a difficult one. Creating a book idea is just the first step. After that, you have to piece together the first draft, edit your work, and rewrite it all while trying to convince yourself that you shouldn’t give up. 

Not to mention, the insurmountable task ahead if you plan to publish your book too. There will be plenty of pitching, and sadly plenty of rejections, if you’re even lucky enough to find a publisher. 

The path is so non-linear and unpredictable that it’s vital to learn from others who have trodden the path before you. At Daily Prompt, we love podcasts as a medium to learn as it lets you take in information while doing other things like chores or travelling. 

There are lots of great podcasts on writing out there, but we chose the following as our favourites for 2022:

1. Helping Writers Become Authors

Not long ago, we K.M. Weiland hosted a writing competition on Daily Prompt. Her podcast is an extension of her incredibly successful blog: Helping Writers Become Authors.

What we love:

Each episode is a bite-sized explanation of specific writing skills. These 15 minute nuggets are easy to squeeze into your schedule, but with over 500 episodes to date, there’s a wealth of knowledge there to help you improve as an author. 

2. Write Now

The Write Now podcast offers a glimpse into the life of a writer. The host, Sarah Rhea Werner, offers a mixture of interviews and “monologues” that explore the experience of being an author. 

What we love:

The Write Now podcast pays particular attention to the mindset of an author. Life as an author can be a lonely path and when things get really tough it’s easy to want to quit entirely. However, Sarah’s Write Now podcast helps you realise that you’re not alone in the struggle. It regularly explores themes such as fear, self doubt, and the work-life balance to help us be kinder to ourselves.

3. The Creative Penn

Joanna puts the focus on the “business of writing” in her podcast (and blog). Her podcast is primarily interview-based and includes a mix of episodes on creative writing skills, publishing (and self-publishing), and conversations about the writing industry at large. 

What we love: 

Joanna’s passion for the writing means she regularly covers some of the latest advancements and technology in the industry. Recently, she had a conversation with Jessica Artemisia Mathieu about NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and some of the business models that might accompany them for writers. 

If you want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to writing technology, be sure to listen in regularly to this podcast. 

4. Writing Excuses

The Writing Excuses podcast is perhaps one of the biggest writing podcasts out there. Each episode is just 15 minutes and gives a playful, yet informative, analysis of writing theory. Plus, the Writing Excuses team includes some big names from the writer-sphere including Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette Kowal. 

What we love:

Having the insights (and banter) come from four different hosts makes the show dynamic and captivating. Each host brings a wealth of knowledge and shares complex writing advice in entertaining ways. The balance of entertaining and educational is difficult to pull of yet they do it perfectly!

5. How Writers Write

How Writers Write is an interview-based podcast where the host, Brian Murphy, interviews some of the world’s leading fiction writers such as Anthony Horowitz and Jeffrey Archer. 

What we love:

Brian’s goal is to dive into the minds of the world’s top writers to decode their tips, routines and motivations, and he does it masterfully. 

How Writers Write is like The Tim Ferriss Show for writers! Brian asks the right probing questions to unlock fascinating insights and then steps out of the way to let his guests elaborate and share their wisdom. 

Looking for inspiration to start writing a scary story? Horror stories can be great fun to write as you explore dark terrifying themes to make your readers squirm.

We’ve selected 10 of our best horror writing prompts to kick off your next horror story. No matter whether you prefer psychological horror or supernatural horror, these writing prompts will inspire stories that will keep your readers awake at night. 

1. Salt has been used for years to ward off evil. But as the oceans are drained and filtered to be made drinkable, the evil that was trapped there is unleashed.

Continue the story.

2. "But I don't want to go to bed. The man with no eyes is waiting for me in the closet!"

Write a horror story that contains this line of speech.

3. You are camping with your family in an unfamiliar forest. You wake up in the middle of the night to find yourself alone in your tent.

Practice throwing your reader straight into the drama of the story – begin your narrative with suspense, confusion, and tension from the offset.

4. She stared at me for a moment, then plunged the knife into my stomach.

Write a story containing this line, whether you build up to it, or go from it.

5. For a while your brother was convinced that someone was following him; now he's gone missing.

Continue the story. 

6. A simple game of hide and seek becomes much more horrific when a kidnapper joins the game.

How will your characters uncover what’s happening, and face the situation?

7. "If I survive, can I go home?"

Write a story containing this piece of speech.

8. The nausea crept up her throat from the pit of her stomach; the realisation that yesterday was real.

Use this sentence as the opening or closing line of a story.

9. Write a short horror story that DOESN'T involve murder, psychopaths, or paranormal activity.

Think about what other themes make horror writing captivating.

10. "Your time is up. Better run!"

Write a story that contains this line of speech.

How to write the perfect horror story

The prompts above are a great place to start your horror story. But what next? A lot of horror plays with the fear of the unknown so be sure to leave elements unknown to your readers so they really get the shivers. 

Your characters should be relatable to the reader so they experience the story in their shoes. The perfect horror grips the reader’s attention and their emotion as they anxiously devour each page to see what happens next. 

Looking for writing inspiration? Do you want to break through writer’s block? Look no further than Tumblr. 

There are thousands of writing prompts on Tumblr which you can use to inspire you next story. One quick Google search will connect you to several Tumblr blogs with a selection of prompts to choose from. 

However, there’s a big difference between a writing prompt and a good writing prompt so we took some time to scour Tumblr for 10 of our favourites. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Use the following to make a story:

Genre: Young AdultPerson: A bored inventorProblem: It’s been raining for 1 month with no signs of stopping. 

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2. A woman prophesied to give birth to the "Chosen One" gives birth to triplets instead.

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3. You have the ability to see into the past. You can only observe past events, not change them. You’re helping the police solve a murder. As you’re describing what happened, the killer suddenly turns around and seems to look you straight in the eye. “I know you’re watching”.

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4. You’re strapped to a table. Surrounded by cultists. They’ve summoned their demonic deity and are preparing to sacrifice you. You’ve decided to go all-in on the only way out you have left. Make the demon an offer the cultists can’t match.

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5. Write a story about a taco truck that engages in some shady, supernatural dealings.

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6. Write a romantic thriller that takes place at a sketchy amusement park.

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7. When you turn 18, your greatest skill is multiplied by 10. Amazing driver? Now you’re practically invincible in a car. Expert bow shot? You can angle your shots down to the millimeter. No one expects your skill.

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8. Write about someone who's a librarian by day, bounty hunter by night.

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9. Write a story in which the main character is a building.

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10. You see your best friend get a papercut. When you look over to see if she’s ok, She tries to hide it for dear life. When you finally get to look at the cut, sticky black liquid is pouring out from her wound.

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It’s often quoted that writing often is the key to writing well. Whether you’re writing professionally or as a hobby, having a word count target and showing up every day are key to writing success. Whether you choose to write towards your Work In Progress, or if you just want a writing exercise to get your creative juices flowing, Reddit is a fantastic place to help get inspired. 

How do you find writing prompts on Reddit?

Next time you sit down to write, and would like to use Reddit as inspiration, visit the subreddit r/WritingPrompts. Here you’ll find the largest subreddit on the platform, with over 15 million members, totally dedicated to writing prompts. 

Those who prefer even simpler prompts which allow for even more creative freedom, can also check out r/SimplePrompts. 

The benefit of using Reddit writing prompts.

Reddit writing prompts can help provide a burst of inspiration when you’re lacking creativity. Writer’s block is real and with increasingly busy lives it’s easy to stop writing altogether unless we find ways to create even when we don’t feel like it.Reddit writing prompts help with exactly that. With so many to choose from you can scroll through until you find one you connect with and then use it as a starting point for a writing exercise or even a part of your work in progress. 

How to use Reddit writing prompts

Using Reddit writing prompts is easy. Once you’ve visited r/WritingPrompts you can sort the prompts by when they were submitted and their popularity using the filter at the top. 

There are a few different prompts available. To find a prompt that suits you, scroll down to the Flair Filter and browse which categories are available. Below we share a few of the options you can choose from.

Writing Prompts

These are the default writing prompts you might find on Reddit with no restrictions except for those of the subreddit itself. This prompt is the most popular in the entire subreddit. We share some of our favourites below. 

Simple Prompts

The Simple Prompt section on Reddit is similar to the Writing Prompt section except the prompt title must be 100 characters or less. This typically means that the prompt is less specific which gives authors more creative freedom over the writing. Here’s an example of a simple prompt which gives lots of freedom to decide how the story goes. 

Image Prompt

Some people prefer images to spark their creativity. By filtering by Image Prompt you can find a selection of images to kickstart your creative ideas.

Established Universe

These are writing prompts that are based on existing fiction. They typically reference existing fictional worlds and characters such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or other novels/films. The following is an example of one: 

“Dumbledore’s plan backfires completely. After enduring years of abuse, Harry Potter lashes out, killing the entire Dursley family, setting him on the path to becoming one of history’s most terrible dark wizards.”

Constrained Writing

These are writing prompts with very specific requirements that pose a challenge. They might include limited word counts, specific words/language that must be used, or a very specific writing restraint you need to use.  Some of our favourite examples include:

Write a story with no characters. [Writing Prompt]

Write a story with same first and end line, and have the middle change the meaning [Writing Prompt]

Top 14 Writing Prompts on Reddit

We’ve scoured Reddit to find out top 14 writing prompts. We’ve chosen this list based on how unique and creative the writing prompts are and how much freedom they give you, the writer, in interpreting them:

1) “You’re a hitman leading a double life. Things go well until you get your next target; yourself.” [Writing Prompt]

2) “So this is it huh? The end of the world….it’s a lot quieter than I thought” [Writing Prompt]

3) “A woman has been dating guy after guy, but it never seems to work out. She’s unaware that she’s actually been dating the same guy over and over; a shapeshifter who’s fallen for her, and is certain he’s going to get it right this time.” [Writing Prompt]

4) “Superpowers are able to be purchased in stores. You decide to look through the bargain bin.” [Writing Prompt]

5) “You are the first Necronaut, the first living human to enter the afterlife.” [Writing Prompt]

6) “You’ve joined a society of assassins, but not as a killer. You’re working in Marketing.” [Writing Prompt]

7) “Due to overpopulation issues, anyone above the age of 60 is legally allowed to be murdered.” [Writing Prompt]

8) Everyone has heard about “fallen angels”, but what about “risen demons”? [Writing Prompt]

9) “Every time you go to sleep you wake up in a new world, you’re trying desperately to stay awake.” [Writing Prompt]

10) “You lost your sight – along with everyone else on Earth – in The Great Blinding. Two years later, without warning, your sight returns. As you look around, you realise that every available wall, floor and surface has been painted with the same message – Don’t Tell Them You Can See.” [Writing Prompt]

11) “Humans once wielded formidable magical power but with over 7 billion of us on the planet now Mana has spread far to thinly to have any effect. When hostile aliens reduces humanity to a mere fraction the survivors discover an old power has begun to reawaken once again.” [Writing Prompt]

12) “Your ability to see people’s age in years as an invisible number above their heads has made you the perfect bouncer. One day you see a four digit number.” [Writing Prompt]

13) “You are an immortal. She is a time traveler. You keep running into each other.” [Writing Prompt]

14) “When the world’s most beloved superhero died defending them, the people mourned. Little did they know, the hero’s secret identity was an organ donor, and people who received one of the hero’s organs are starting to exhibit some of the same powers.” [Writing Prompt]

Using Reddit Writing Prompts to become a better writer

Next time you’re looking for inspiration, you can turn to Reddit to find a suitable writing prompt. A lot of users choose to share their contribution directly on Reddit to get feedback and comments from other users, too.  

If you want to take your writing even more seriously, you can check out other subreddits for writers to learn more about the craft of writing and get feedback on your work.

Here are some of our favourites:

r/Writing – for discussions on the writing craft.

r/Writers – a space for all writers, non-fiction and fiction, to share resources, ask questions and seek help. 

r/WritingHub – this one is smaller than the other two and feels a bit more intimate. They have daily themes for writing posts and even a Discord channel. 

When writing fantasy, the only limit is your imagination. Absolutely anything is possible and you can completely reinvent the rules. Despite this creative freedom (or perhaps because of it), there are still days when writer’s block will strike. But don’t fret. It’s on days like these that creative writing prompts can help you find the writing inspiration to pull you through. 

Writing prompts are little story starters or challenges that give you a place to start from. Consider them additional fuel to take you from a blank page into a piece of writing you’re happy with. Some writers like to use them as little warm-up exercises, whereas other writers use them to help generate plot ideas for their work-in-progress.  

We’ve chosen 20 of our favourite fantasy writing prompts from Daily Prompt. The great thing about fantasy writing is that it can easily be combined with other genres to give a more fantastical element to romance, horror, or action, for instance.  

Grab your favourite hot beverage, sit down at your desk, and get inspired by the prompts below. 

Dystopian Fantasy Writing Prompts

1. Write about a typical day in a world where happiness has been outlawed – Think about how and why this world would operate, and consider a character’s daily life here. 

2. In the future, every human is genetically engineered to be useful to the world in some way – Write about a character who despises what they were designed for.  

3. In a densely overcrowded world where physical contact is almost constant, your main character finds space to be alone – You could include this scene in a story, write a poem about how the character feels, or even feature this idea as a smaller part of a broader story. 

New World Fantasy Writing Prompts

1. Write a story about a community living underground that makes its first contact with the world above – You could focus on the community and why they’re there, or consider what it would be like for two cultures to collide like this.

2. You recieve a letter from a parallel world, addressed to your parallel self. It seems they are in danger, and you must help them. 

3. Your grandfather was a quiet man who lived in a cabin in a nearby forest. A day after his funeral you discover that you’ve inherited the cabin and have become the new leader of an entire settlement of fairy-like creatures who now consider you their king.  

Fantasy Writing Prompts with Magic or Special Powers

1. As the only person in your town without a magical ability, you’re constantly having to find ways to convince people that you do, for fear of them finding out.

2. Write a story about someone who works as a janitor for a company that hires superheroes – Think about what kinds of messes might they be asked to clean up, or what they overhear as they do their job. 

3. You were kicked out of Werewolf School for refusing to take your first human bite. You have to find a way to get re-accepted without breaking your oath not to eat humans.  

Sci-Fi Fantasy Writing Prompts

1. You accidentally stumbled through a wormhole that led you to another dimension… but you didn’t even realise until things started to get very strange – Begin this sci-fi story in a world that seems familiar, but gradually becomes less and less normal.  “The reason that I was banned from interstellar travel is a rather amusing story – well, it’s amusing if you’re anyone but me.” – Tell the tale of how this character lost their privilege of space travel. One day you cut yourself deeply, but instead of flesh and blood, you see wires – Continue the story 

Miscellaneous Fantasy Writing Prompts

Write a fantasy story based around the last message you sent to a friend – The Fantasy genre typically contains magic, supernatural or mythological elements. All the villagers are terrified of the creature in the forest, but one day a curious child decides to investigate, and surprises everyone with what they find – Continue this story… Your protagonist discovers they possess a very special necklace which allows them to get anything they want. Except, as they find out later, there are some pretty big ramifications of doing so. You start dating someone and things start to get serious with your new lover. Before you take it to the next level, you need to reveal to them that you’re not really human at all.  

Character-Building Fantasy Writing Prompts

A struggling author’s work suddenly takes a much darker turn – is it newly realised creativity, or an underlying evil? – Use this character and circumstance to explore the theme of where creative ideas come from. A character from an old novel wakes up in your spare room. You must help them adjust by guiding them through 21st century life – How will you help them to navigate this world?You are a child’s imaginary friend, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be… – Write the story from this imaginary point of view. Take a mythical creature that’s generally considered evil and show the kind side of their personality. Are they really evil? Are they misunderstood? What is the real them like? How to take your fantasy writing prompts to the next levelOnce you’ve written your piece, why not get some extra ideas for how to improve? You can get brand new prompts every day with Daily Prompt. By sharing it in the app you can get more reads and ask our community for feedback.