Celebrate NaNoWriMo '24 with Storyteller Planet!

It's that time again! 2024's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) has officially begun and we are so excited to participate in the celebration for the second year in a row! Last year we spent 30 days unveiling tips and asking deeper questions as we wrote our hearts out. This year we are changing it up by making a daily challenge to get those wheels turning. The complete list can be found below. Do the challenge in order or pick through until the month is through and the first draft has been written. Also, make sure that you properly participate in the celebration by visiting the OG of this fantabulous event and registering your story. They have every tool you'll need to track your progress and stay on track, so go to https://nanowrimo.org, and let's get this party started!

Day 1: Tone

Set your novel’s tone—write a scene that defines the overall mood.

Day 2: Foreshadowing

Introduce a mystery—create a question in your story that must be answered later.

Day 3: Traits

Build character quirks—give each main character a unique habit or trait.

Day 4: Backstory

Explore backstory—write a flashback for your protagonist that shapes who they are.

Day 5: A Twist

Create a turning point—write a plot twist that changes the direction of your story.

Day 6: Setting

Develop the setting—describe a location in vivid detail using all five senses.

Day 7: Tension

Add tension—write a scene where two characters have conflicting goals.

Day 8: Side Characters

Introduce a side character—add someone who will have a surprising impact later.

Day 9: Dialogue

Focus on dialogue—write a scene entirely through character conversation.

Day 10: Internal Conflict

Show internal conflict—describe a decision that tears your protagonist apart.

Day 11: Symbolism

Use symbolism—introduce an object or concept that has a deeper meaning.

Day 12: Character Growth

Show character growth—write a moment where your protagonist changes.

Day 13: Emotions

Dive into an emotion—explore a prominent feeling for one character.

Day 14: False Info

Introduce a red herring—lead your readers in the wrong direction temporarily.

Day 15: Power Shift

Create a power shift—write a scene where the dynamics between characters shift.

Day 16: Antagonist

Focus on the antagonist—write a scene from their perspective.

Day 17: Relationship Change

Explore relationships—write a scene where a key relationship changes.

Day 18: Setbacks

Add a setback—make something go wrong for your protagonist.

Day 19: Metaphors

Use a metaphor—create a striking comparison to add depth to your writing.

Day 20: Unexpected Events

Add a surprise—write an unexpected event or revelation.

Day 21: Intimacy

Slow things down—write a quiet, intimate scene.

Day 22: High Stakes

Speed things up—write a fast-paced action or high-stakes scene.

Day 23: Time Warp

Play with time—create urgency with a deadline or slow it down by reminiscing.

Day 24: Magic Touch

Explore magic in your world-implement one magical element in your next scene.

Day 25: Fight Scene

Write a confrontation—let two or more characters clash for overall growth.

Day 26: Whiplash

Take something important away unexpectedly-make the main character feel a sense of loss.

Day 27: Troupe Swap

Flip expectations—take the troupe you're writing and write the opposite for one whole scene.

Day 28: Accomplishments

Add an emotional high—write a scene where a character achieves something significant.

Day 29: Callback

Bring back that foreshadow—reference something from earlier in the story.

Day 30: That's A Wrap

Write the finale—tie up a major plot arc with a satisfying conclusion.

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About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who writes dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. Born as Angelica Cabrera, she is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA NYC, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. Crystal has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. While she tries to keep up with her social media accounts, the best way to get to know her is over a cup of tea or a good plate of food.