Chris Baty Quote

National Novel Writing Month, often shortened to NaNoWriMo ( NAN-oh-RY-moh), was a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that promoted creative writing around the world. Its flagship program was an annual, international creative writing event in which participants attempted to write a 50,000-word manuscript during the month of November. Well-known authors wrote "pep talks" in order to motivate participants during the month. The website provided participants, called "Wrimos", with tips for writer's block, information on where local participants were meeting, and an online community of support. Focusing on the length of a work rather than the quality, writers were encouraged to finish their first drafts quickly so they could be edited later at the writers' discretion. The project started in July 1999 with 21 participants. In 2022, 413,295 people participated in the organization's programs.
Writers wishing to participate first registered on the project's website, where they could post profiles and information about their novels, including synopses and excerpts. Regional volunteers called "Municipal Liaisons" helped connect local writers, held in-person and virtual writing events, and provided encouragement.
In March 2025, director Kilby Blades published a YouTube video announcing the closure of the nonprofit, citing financial struggles and "community vitriol".