Farewell NaNoWriMo: The End of an Era for Writers
Hey Writers,
I was gearing up for NaNoWriMo 2025, marking my calendar, priming the scene, and then… SILENCE.
After more than two decades of sparking creativity worldwide, NaNoWriMo is FINISHED, over, kaput!
And yes, I’m devastated, as I bet you are.
What Happened to NaNoWriMo?
NaNoWriMo began in 1999 with a simple goal: write 50,000 words in November and shut out your inner critic. Over the years, it grew into a global community—pep talks with authors, midnight write-ins, and cheering on strangers-turned-comrades as the word counts climbed.
But in early 2025, the nonprofit behind NaNoWriMo announced it would be shutting down permanently. Why?
- Financial strain – Donations dropped sharply, from over $600,000 in 2021 to roughly $374,000 in 2023. Participation dipped too—from 122,000 novel-starters in 2018 to under 100,000 in 2023. (Beloit Round Table)
- Safety concerns – Mishandled reports of inappropriate behaviour by a moderator shook trust across the community. (The Guardian)
- Backlash over AI stance – In 2024, NaNoWriMo released a policy on AI that many found dismissive of writers with disabilities, triggering resignations and a sharp decline in support. (Story Empire)
In a heartfelt (and heartbreaking) video and email, interim executive director Kilby Blades confirmed that years of financial losses and fractured community bonds made it impossible to continue.
Why It Hurts
NaNoWriMo wasn’t just about hitting a word count. It was about belonging to something bigger:
- Writing alongside strangers at midnight.
- Getting pep talk boosts from published authors.
- Racing that 1,667‑words‑a‑day target with people all over the map.
It was permission to write without perfecting. Losing that shared banner feels like losing a heartbeat in the writing world.
The Spirit Doesn’t Have to Die
Here’s something Kilby Blades said in her farewell message that gives me hope: people will still write 50,000 words in November—just without NaNo’s platform.
So let’s do it anyway.
- Set your own daily target! 1,667 words/day, or your own rhythm.
- Rally your tribe! A few writing friends, a small online group, a loose accountability circle.
- Embrace the sadness! Unfiltered, unedited, unapologetically messy writing that counts.
Moving Forward
Here’s my invitation to you:
This November, let’s write anyway.
Even without the NaNo badge, our stories deserve to be told. The blank page still waits. The world still needs your voice.
Sharpen your pencils (so old school but love ’em!) OR, charge your laptop. Collect your courage. The stories are below. ⬇️
Happy writing, always.
~ Zak ~
PS: If you’re looking for fresh writing challenges and community vibes, here are a few fantastic places to redirect your creative energy:
Shut Up & Write!
A worldwide model of focused writing sessions—online or in person—using Pomodoro-style bursts of writing with a bit of shared check‑in. No sharing required, just community and consistent progress. en.wikipedia.org+1
StoryADay
A monthly short story challenge (May and/or September) to write (and finish) a story every day—with prompts, pep talks, and a supportive writers’ community. Free to join. (StoryADay / StoryADay May 2025 )
https://storyaday.org/2022-home/ • https://storyaday.org/storyaday-may-2025-is-coming/ storyaday.orgstoryaday.org+8storyaday.org+8storyaday.org+8
The StoryADay 3‑Day Challenge
Seeking a shorter, yet inspiring commitment? This self‑paced retreat walks you through writing three short stories in three days—great steps for regaining confidence and momentum. storyaday.org+9storyaday.org+9members.storyaday.org+9
#5amWritersClub
A Twitter‑based writing sprint community. Writers log on at 5 AM EST (or your local equivalent), write alongside each other via hashtag solidarity, and cheer each other on. No sign-up! Drop in and write. blog.annabyang.com+75amwritersclub.wordpress.com+7storyaday.org+7
