"There's a dog loose in the woods..."
Dragon. Australian. Lawyer. Multifandom, Photography, and occasionally Asian dramas.
I can't escape fandom purgatory unless someone gives me the Dragon url...
So if you've only been loosely paying attention, the NaNoWriMo organization has collapsed in a controversy of mismanagement, lack of oversight, abusive forum moderation and a whole host of issues that's resulted in souring the whole thing for a great deal of people. While the spirit of NaNoing will probably continue, a lot of people understandably don't want anything to officially do with the organization anymore.
But you - like I have - still think NaNoWriMo has been very useful to get writing done. Here's some ideas on how to keep going.
How to Get Started
Think Local - All those places you used for NaNo events, libraries, schools, cafes, etc - may be more than willing to launch something similar with enough interest. Just because it won't have the NaNoWriMo name slapped on it doesn't meant it can't continue. My local library has started a monthly write-in event, for example.
Take the Initiative - If you know of a group that you usually NaNo with, it's never too late or early to reach out to them about create an alternative plan. You probably aren't the only one thinking about it!
Talk to your (former) ML - Many Municipal Liaisons I know feel burned by NaNo and won't join it again, but they did love running the event. My local ML is continuing our group under a different name, and yours might appreciate getting assistance or sharing resources about how to run a month-long writing event if you ask.
Find Your People - If you're in school, new to an area, or just not good at reaching out, I feel you. But if you do nothing, you get nothing. Reach out to people you know. Online Discord or Zoom meetings can work just as well as in-person events if you're too remote or broke to meet.
What to Use to Get Started
Shut up and Write provides quick and easy ways to find local groups or form your own to carry the write-in momentum all year round.
MyWriteClub copies the writing tracking method of NaNoWriMo to keep track of your wordcount.
Pacemaker Planner offers multiple ways to track your writing.
Regular old Excel. Or LibreOffice if you'd prefer to wash your hands of Microsoft. It's not as exciting, but a regular spreadsheet with an AutoSum of your daily progress can work just as well as a fancy website.
You can keep going with the NaNo energy without the official name. My local library has started a monthly write-in, and I know many people who have found success with Shut Up and Write. Look into what works for you!
the thing about the color of money (1986) is that it’s a fantastic film that also happens to have my favorite “a song playing in a movie that you think is non-diagetic but turns out to be diagetic” of all time