Plotting Season: Turning Novel November Chaos into Craft

Every November, writers around the globe unite in a collective act of literary madness formally known as NaNoWriMo — National Novel Writing Month. ProWriting Aid have launched a NaNo 2.0, aptly titled — Novel November. The goal? Write 50,000 words in thirty days. The reality? Discover how much caffeine a human body can handle before vibrating through the floorboards.

At Elevate Editing, we have a soft spot for this particular writing challenge. It's where our first novel came from back in 2019. There’s something magical about so many people throwing themselves into storytelling all at once — like a creative flash mob powered by coffee and existential dread. But Novel November isn’t about writing well, it’s about writing at all. And that’s where the beauty lies.

So, as writers everywhere race toward the finish line, here’s how to survive the storm — and set yourself up for success when the dust (and caffeine buzz) settles.

If you’re just starting your novel and want a little more structure than chaos, our Story Structure & Pacing Guide walks you through building a plot that holds together — even when your brain doesn’t.

1. Embrace the Ugly Draft

Every masterpiece begins as an unholy mess. Michelangelo probably had a few questionable sketches before he got to David. The first draft of anything is meant to be rough — you’re discovering the story, not chiselling the final version.

So, let go of perfection. Write scenes out of order. Give your protagonist a temporary name like “Blorbo.” Let your villain’s motivation make no sense. January is for making it good; November is for making it exist.

You can’t edit a blank page, but you can absolutely polish chaos. The goal is momentum, not mastery. Your future self — the calm, contemplative version of you who edits in pyjamas come January — will adore that messy, magnificent draft.

For more reassurance that your messy first draft is entirely normal (and secretly necessary), check out our Guide to the Stages of Editing. It explains exactly what comes after this glorious chaos.

2. Keep Notes on the Fly

Novel November moves fast, and ideas tend to appear like a startled deer — suddenly and inconveniently. You’ll think of a brilliant plot twist just as your main character is halfway through a dinner scene, or realise on day 20 that your sidekick’s name has changed four times.

Instead of stopping to fix everything, create a “note-to-self” document or keep a running list on your phone. Jot down contradictions, missing details, or new inspirations for later. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for your future self — except instead of bread, it’s plot holes and panicked annotations.

When the writing frenzy ends, you’ll have a handy roadmap waiting, full of insights you were too caffeinated to act on at the time.

If you love the idea of organised chaos, our Style Sheet Mastery Guide can help you start tracking character details, names, and world-building notes like a pro.

3. Structure Is a Safety Net

By week two, the honeymoon phase is over. You start to wonder whether your protagonist has any personality at all, and why your plot has wandered off to stare wistfully at a metaphorical sunset. Don’t panic — this is normal.

When you lose your way, return to the story’s spine.

Ask three grounding questions:

What does my main character want right now?

What’s stopping them from getting it?

What happens if they fail?

Answering those will often snap your plot back into focus faster than another cup of instant coffee. Think of structure as your story’s map — it won’t write the words for you, but it will stop you wandering into narrative swamps filled with existential despair and talking crows. (Unless that's what you're going for?)

Need a little help tightening your story’s backbone? Our Guide to Story Arcs and Structure breaks down the essential beats every novel needs — from ‘inciting incident’ to ‘emotional gut-punch’.

4. The Post Nov Nov Plan

When you finally crawl out of November, blinking in the winter light and clutching a 50,000-word monstrosity, the temptation to dive straight into editing is strong. Resist. You’ve just run a creative marathon — now’s the time for snacks, naps, and proud gloating.

Take at least a week off before rereading. We'd recommend waiting until January. Let your brain reset so you can approach your story like a stranger who doesn’t know how messy it was to make. You’ll see it more clearly — what sings, what stumbles, and what needs to be buried quietly in the woods.

Before you dive into revisions, check out our Editor Resources page. It’s packed with practical guides and checklists to help you make sense of everything before sending it to an editor.

Once you’re ready to tame that beast, we’re here for you. Whether your draft needs a structural overhaul or a gentle polish, Elevate Editing specialises in helping Nov Nov survivors turn their glorious chaos into something publishable (and possibly brilliant).

5. Remember: You’re a Writer, Not a Word Counter

Novel November can make you feel like your value is tied to your daily word count. Ignore that voice. Writing 50,000 words in a month is wonderful — but writing at all is what matters.

Maybe you hit 10,000. Maybe you spent half the month researching medieval plumbing. Maybe you outlined a new idea that excites you again. All of that counts. You’ve built something from scratch, and that’s more than most people ever do.

If you’re setting goals beyond Novel November, our Writing Routine & Goal-Setting Guide offers gentle structure without the burnout — because slow writing is still writing.

6. Keep the Momentum Alive

Here’s the secret few people tell you: finishing Novel November isn’t the end — it’s the launch pad. You’ve just built a powerful writing habit, and it would be a shame to let it slip away with the last of the mince pies.

You don’t have to keep churning out 1,667 words a day. In fact, please don’t — unless you enjoy mild burnout as a lifestyle. Instead, find your cruising speed. Maybe that’s 500 words a day before work. Maybe it’s 1,000 words every other evening. Maybe it’s half an hour of scribbling during your lunch break.

What matters is rhythm, not volume. Keep your story brain switched on. Small, steady bursts of writing keep your creative muscles warm and make returning to your manuscript far less daunting.

Think of it like fitness: Novel November was the marathon — now you’re building stamina for the long, fulfilling jog of everyday creativity. And remember: rest days count too. You’re a writer even when you’re daydreaming about dialogue while doing the dishes.

Final Thoughts

Novel November is creative chaos in its purest form — part endurance test, part joyride. It’s messy, exhausting, and deeply rewarding. Whether you end the month with a finished draft or a notebook full of mayhem, you’ve taken a bold step toward storytelling mastery.

And when that draft’s ready for the next stage, learn how our Editing Services can help you elevate your story from first draft to finished masterpiece.