If you are morning the organization after all that's come out against them the last couple years, know that you can still do a novel-in-a-month challenge. If you're mourning the community they built (despite it being much more difficult to interact with after their horrendous website and forum overhaul a few years ago), know that you can build your own community of support. Reach out on apps like this to ask other writers if they want to join you in a writing challenge. Create your community!

Why are you posting that after saying it was such a big part of your life?

I did it a couple of times and one time completed it- but I have found the best thing that came from it was just getting writing. But I try to just write a little bit every day than trying to shovel out words- I’m a terrible drafter and if I force my speed I just create a bigger editing mountain

I'm having a hard time deciding if I want to delete my account because, for me, it's a bit of a writing time capsule. But the platform basically called me classist and ableist

I mean- that’s how I found you! The one and only time I actually finished a NANO. I’ve been out of the loop for a while and don’t know what’s been going on with them.

I loved it in the initial years - pre crappy forum change and year round events - and it's gone steadily downhill and gotten more and more uncomfortable each year. I quit them a few years ago and all I miss is what they originally had and no longer did, and that wasn't coming back.

NaNoWriMo was so instrumental in my initial phase of drafting. I've participated every year since 2008 I think. Last year was my first as ML but sadly it'll be my last. I am definitely mourning it but it really hasn't been the same for years. And now that my drafts don't always align with November, it's not a good match anymore. I think mostly I'll miss the collective energy of the writing community in general in November, but that energy is always there too, in spaces like Threads. ✍