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.