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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/13128-Collapse-of-NaNoWriMo.html
Contests & Activities: May 28, 2025 Issue [#13128]




 This week: Collapse of NaNoWriMo
  Edited by: Annette Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Writing a whole novel during the 30 days of November was a hard task, but oh so satisfying when completed.


Letter from the editor

Collapse of NaNoWriMo


In summer of 1999, a group of writers got together in Berkeley, California, with the goal to write the first draft of a novel in 30 days. As their circle grew, they became an organization that first spread to the whole U.S. and then expanded to become a world-wide phenomenon.

How did it work?

The lions share of work was done by unpaid volunteers. Thousands of writing enthusiasts around the globe helped keep the event small enough for writers of all regions to have a place to feel supported locally.

Was NaNoWriMo a contest or an activity? A little bit of both. Every writer was in a contest with themselves to cross that magical goal post of 50,000 words written before the stroke of midnight on November 30th in their time zone. To those who chose to attend in-person write-ins, it was also an activity. A place to meet other local writers and build friendships based on being a just crazy enough to even try to write that much in a short amount of time.

In April 2025, NaNoWriMo was shuttered.

What happened? How could a place that was so successful at growing so big break apart? There are many rumors and no good, complete answers. The little I could find were complaints about a lack of transparency and support for the volunteers by the main organization. Whatever the truth is, it is only known to those who had access to the inner working of the organization.

How does this relate to Writing.Com and our site? We have tons of member hosted contests and activities. We have participants from all over the globe.

Transparency is the answer. Anyone who offers an activity or contest has to figure out how to create a set of rules that keeps the playing field level for all participants. And, yes, tooting our horn, we are all very civil with one another and tend to be supportive of each other.

If I could make one request to all you contest and activity hosts: Please PLEASE use "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" Open in new Window. and "Activities @ Writing.Com" Open in new Window. to let us all know about the many fun things you dream up for us. The newsfeed is fleeting. Help everyone in the community to have the best chance to take part. Don't let your contest or activity go unnoticed.

How many times (if ever) did you attempt to win at NaNoWriMo? How many times did you win?


Editor's Picks

 
FORUM
The Adam West Conspiracy Open in new Window. (13+)
Short Story Contest
#2339870 by Jeffrey Meyer Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
Long, Long, Long Open in new Window. (18+)
Prompt-free contest for stories of the lengthier variety. New round May 2025!
#1782293 by Stik to My Own Beat Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
Horror Writing Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A contest involving writing a horror story. Simple, really.
#2273172 by S 🤦 Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
The Anthro Activity Anteroom Open in new Window. (13+)
A fun activity room for Non-Humans.
#1654618 by BIG BAD WOLF is Merry Author IconMail Icon

 
FORUM
The Bradbury Contest Open in new Window. (E)
A monthly contest for participants in The Bradbury
#2277002 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
The Beatles Musical Extravaganza Open in new Window. (13+)
A month-long writing challenge, using The Beatles' songs as inspiration.
#2337962 by Choconut Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
Parenting Short Story Contest  Open in new Window. (ASR)
Parenting is the funnest job ever! Or not? You tell me!
#1558020 by Annette Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
The Prompt Me Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
Weekly winners will have a chance to win the monthly MB give-away!
#2000519 by Cubby Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
The Comedy Club Contest Open in new Window. (E)
A Contest For The Funny Side Of Life. OPEN for May 2025 round!
#1965952 by 🐕GeminiGem🎁 Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
Question of the Day! Open in new Window. (18+)
Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a coffee!
#2142667 by Lilli ☕ Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

Replies to my last Contests & Activities newsletter "Life's Rollercoaster" Open in new Window.:

None.

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