My Preptober guide: How I am preparing for Novel November
A 7-step preptober guide to write 50,000 words in 30 days for Novel November
We are all storytellers, holding untold stories inside of us. That underlying itch for an idea that wants to become more than a mere thought lingering in the back of our minds. It is up to the storyteller to give that idea space to breathe and eventually say, “It is time to tell your story.”
I have an idea that has been asking for my attention for years, and this November I am finally sitting down to let this story come alive on the page.
Why November?
If you have been in the writing world for a while, you will know about NaNoWriMo. But let me explain for those who haven’t heard of it. Back in 1999, Chris Baty launched NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). What started as a small community-driven space for ambitious writers quickly grew into a global phenomenon for writing a novel (or a fast draft) in 30 days. Bestselling books like Water for Elephants, The Night Circus, Cinder, and Side Effects May Vary all started as NaNoWriMo drafts!
However, in 2025, NaNoWriMo announced the closing of the organisation due to financial problems and AI controversies. Now, the thing is, no one really owns the idea of writing a novel in November in 30 days, and other writing communities and platforms quickly picked up on the idea to offer writers an alternative to NaNoWriMo.
What is Preptober?
It is all in the name! October is the creative preparation month before we start pouring out 1667 words every day for an entire month. This month, writing communities and platforms are already offering plotting sprints, workshops, and story-mapping events to help you hit your writing goals.
Here is my 7-step plan for getting organised for November.
1. Join a writing community
This challenge has always thrived because of its supportive community. There is this motivational energy in knowing thousands of other writers are writing alongside you. Even if the stories are different, everyone is writing towards that common goal.
If you are looking for a virtual community to join this year, check out these alternatives and see what matches your favorite way of writing.
Novel Sprint by Reedsy
Novel November (NovNov) by ProWritingAid
WriteFest by 4TheWords
NovelEmber by World Anvil (fantastic for world building)
The Rough Draft Challenge by Sarra Cannon
I have joined Novel November by ProWritingAid this year. I love their virtual events, plotting and writing sprints, and the badge system really boosts my motivation to keep going. Even though you can use their writing tools (some are free, some are paid), you can write in a separate tool (Word, Google Docs, handwritten in a notebook, etc.) and only add your daily word count.
2. The bones of the story
Every novel starts with laying down the bones for your story. This includes the theme, premise, central conflict, character arcs, chapter outlines, world building. These important building blocks can already be created beforehand. Even if you are a pantser, working out a rough idea of the premise, protagonist, and end goal will help you move beyond that midway writer’s block. And always keep in mind, nothing is set in stone. Stories often take on a life of their own once you start writing.
3. Make the characters come alive
Plot moves the story forward, but characters make the story truly come alive. Take the time this month to flesh them out beyond their physical appearances.
What are their core flaws and false beliefs?
What do they secretly desire versus what they actually need?
What habits, quirks, or accessories make them feel like a real human being?
Think of this as a rough sketch of who they are as a person, but not the finished portrait. Some character details might only present themselves as the story starts to form.
4. Chapter outline and story beats
As a plotter, this is my favorite step because I can feel those first sparks of aliveness in my story. Outlining using story beats lets you visualize the narrative flow and keep momentum building across all of your chapters. Offering insight into the skeleton of your story and showing you what the story still needs. It has also helped me connect all my chapters as one story told through different POV’s.
Here are the questions I ask during my chapter outline
What is the inciting incident?
What raises the stakes?
When is the turning point?
What is the ultimatum presented?
What decision is made here?
What is the resolution, and is it clear for the reader?
Who are the 2 forces in this chapter? (Protagonist - Antagonist)
What has changed from the beginning to the end of the chapter?
What does this chapter set in motion?
What does it bring to the next scene?
5. Connect the dots
Outlining helps you spot narrative plot holes early on in the story. It makes your story more cohesive, so characters or events don’t suddenly vanish into thin air. It also helps with characters staying true to their emotional state. Someone who suddenly lost a loved one should still show moments of grief woven into their actions, or they won’t feel human to the reader.
A useful tip is to assign color codes to each character arc or plot line. Highlight key details or setup points that need to return in your story later on.
6. Set up your tools and workspace
A designated workspace for your writing creates a friction-free environment for you to fully focus on the story. It also helps to maintain the writing habit of sitting down in that space and your mind switching into writing mode.
Set up your writing tools.
Are you writing by hand in a notebook, or are you writing in Google Docs, Word, or Scrivener? Maybe even combining both like me (there is just something reassuring about writing in a notebook). Get those folders and notes organised so you can easily find what you need in November.
Look into a Focus app or timer to help you stay focused while writing. There are so many ways of setting timers these days.
There are apps like
Forest (which plants a tree as long as you don’t use your phone),
Focus Friend (which knits socks for your avatar bean),
and Tide (offers a Pomodoro timer with relaxing nature sounds and mindful practices to help you remain focused)
But a kitchen timer, your phone, or a timer on your watch is just as effective, as long as it does not distract you.
7. Set the mood
Immerse yourself in your story by setting up a Pinterest mood board or a playlist with background music that matches the vibes of your story idea. Visual aids help to get you into the right mood for your unique story. And we all love a good playlist and aesthetic mood board for our characters and story.
Final thoughts
Don’t be too hyper-focused on daily word count. Let the story speak, and the words will come out on their own. The challenge is still meant to be fun, and stressing out for an entire month won’t do your story any justice either. Even if you get a different writing idea mid-month, embrace it and start again.
In the end, it is more about building up a good writing practice and making time to do what you love: to write! Because we are all storytellers, sitting with our untold stories waiting to come out.
You will find regular updates on my progress in November on my Substack.
Good luck on the challenge!
CoraLynn
A Gentle Quill
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