September might feel like the calm before the storm, but for writers, it’s the perfect month to set the stage for Preptober—the dedicated month of October where writers prepare for the writing frenzy of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Instead of waiting until October 1st, you can use September as a gentle warm-up season, making sure your tools, ideas, and mindset are ready. By the time October arrives, you’ll feel less rushed and more inspired.
Why Start Prepping in September?
- Beat the overwhelm: Preptober can feel like a scramble if you leave everything for one month. A September head start gives you breathing room.
- Refine your ideas: If you’re torn between projects or story seeds, September is the month to brainstorm and narrow down your focus.
- Create consistency: Starting your prep early helps you build small writing habits now that will support your word-count goals later.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Space
Before you dive into planning, make sure your creative space feels inviting:
- Choose a notebook, binder, or digital tool (Scrivener, Notion, or even Google Docs) for your novel.
- Clear your desk or carve out a “writing nook” so your brain associates that space with creativity.
- Stock up on pens, sticky notes, or even candles and playlists that spark your writing mood.
Step 2: Brainstorm and Explore Ideas
September is ideal for free exploration:
- Jot down every idea, no matter how wild.
- Try short brainstorming sprints—10 minutes of pure imagination.
- Collect inspiration (images, quotes, songs, Pinterest boards) to stir the creative pot.
Tip: Don’t pressure yourself to have everything figured out. This is about play and discovery.
Step 3: Light Worldbuilding & Character Sketches
If you’re writing fantasy, sci-fi, or a sprawling romance, begin sketching details now:
- Who are your main characters? What do they want most?
- What kind of world do they inhabit? Is it dangerous, cozy, magical, or ordinary with a twist?
- Write short “flash scenes” to test voices, settings, and tones.
This way, October can focus on structure, and November can focus on drafting.
Step 4: Build Gentle Writing Habits
Rather than waiting until November to write 1,667 words a day, ease into the practice:
- Start with 10–15 minutes of freewriting daily in September.
- Challenge yourself with mini word sprints (5–10 minutes) to build stamina.
- Track your writing time or word count to create accountability.
Step 5: Organize Your October Calendar
NaNoWriMo isn’t just about words—it’s about time management. In September:
- Look ahead at your October schedule. Block out busy days.
- Plan when you’ll dedicate time to Preptober activities (outlining, character building, etc.).
- Set up reminders so you don’t feel caught off guard.
Step 6: Connect with Community Early
The NaNoWriMo community is a huge motivator. Don’t wait until November to plug in!
- Join the NaNoWriMo forums or Discord groups.
- Follow fellow writers on Instagram or X who are also prepping.
- Share your own writing intentions—accountability is powerful.
September Mindset: Think of It as Planting Season
September isn’t about perfect outlines or rigid planning. It’s about planting seeds—ideas, routines, and inspiration—that will grow during Preptober and bloom in November. Treat it as a softer season of creativity where you gently prepare yourself for the writing storm ahead.
✨ Closing Thought: By starting now, you’re not just preparing for Preptober—you’re giving yourself the gift of ease. You’ll step into October feeling confident, not frazzled, and November will feel less like a marathon sprint and more like a journey you’ve been building toward all along.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 