How to thrive during November’s Rough Draft Challenge.
Thanksgiving is almost here, and we have about one more week before November–and November’s Rough Draft Challenge–ends. This week is one of the toughest for most writers trying to finish a draft in a month (for me as well!) so today I wanted to offer a few tips and tricks to keep you motivated. Because your stories matter and I want all of us, on November 30th, to type The End.
Drafting a novel in November is not an easy thing to do. It’s always a wild ride with equal parts inspiration and exhaustion, even when not under the wordcount pressure this event brings. But with a flexible plan, a few writerly comforts, and the reminder that you’re not alone, you can survive (and thrive) in the heat of creation. So grab your favorite hot drink, open your draft, and write on.
November Rough Draft Survival Guide
1. Set a Flexible Word Count Goal
Never forget that you get to make the rules and decide on your goals. So choose a goal that challenges you and fits your life. Try:
- 500 words a day
- 5K over the holiday weekend
- Write one scene per writing session
Tip: Focus on consistency over volume. A little progress each day adds up fast.
2. Make a November Writing Kit
Stay prepared, hydrated, and inspired by putting together a few writerly survival essentials:
- Your favorite notebook or writing app
- A reusable water bottle or pot full of your favorite hot tea
- An autumn-inspired soundtrack or ambient background noise
- Colorful sticky notes for mid-draft ideas you don’t want to chase yet
- A backup battery or shady spot if you write outside in front of a bonfire
3. Create a Cozy Writing Ritual
When the weather and your brain feel anxious, try a calming pre-writing routine:
- Set a timer for 10 minutes of journaling or warm-up writing
- Light a seasonal candle (pumpkin, leaves, or bonfire scents)
- Read a page from a favorite book
- Try a 5-minute writing sprint to beat the heat and the blank page
4. Build a Moodboard
Keep your creativity front and center by surrounding yourself with the vibe of your project:
- Pinterest boards, mood playlists, or seasonal photos
- Use Canva and PowerPoint to build a slide show about your story and/or series.
- A quick walk in the cold morning air, or raking up some leaves to immerse yourself in autumn imagery
- Use sensory prompts: What does your setting smell, sound, and feel like in autumn and winter? Or the season in which your book is set?
5. Don’t Go It Alone
Even if you’re skipping the formal Rough Draft November or NaNo 2.0 events, writing is always better with a little support:
- Check in with a writing buddy or accountability group
- Share daily progress on social (or in your journal)
- Celebrate small wins—scene finished, word count hit, plot twist landed
6. Permission to Be Messy
Rough drafts are supposed to be rough. The goal is to get the story down, not perfect it. Your November challenge is to show up, tell the story, and save revisions for a later day.
7. Other Resources
Since I’m also a librarian, here is a list of other blog posts I’ve written with resources including prep materials, meal plans, and writing tools, etc.
