Preptober & Beyond: Preparing for a Month of Writing

Hey there, writer friends! October is here, the leaves are crunching, and mornings are finally cool again. As everyone begins decorating for Halloween, planning Thanksgiving meals, and jotting down Christmas gift ideas, writers are preparing for another kind of season filled with new characters, fresh stories, and the excitement of creative goals.

Even though NaNoWriMo no longer exists, many of us still view November as a special time to dedicate to writing. I am participating in the AutoCrit 90 Day Writing Challenge this year to keep my focus and creativity flowing during what always becomes the busiest time of the year. October is all about getting ready by organizing, setting up your space, and preparing your mind just like you would before the holidays arrive.

 

Holiday Prep for Writers: Why Now Matters

Have you noticed how each holiday calls for its own kind of prep? In October, we dig out pumpkins and cobwebs. November means planning meals, organizing calendars, and clearing space for family. December is a flurry of last-minute touches, gifting, and reflection. Successful novel writing works the same way: build the foundation now, set the mood, sketch out what matters, and you’ll enter November ready to write.

 

Gather Your Ingredients – Brainstorm and Outline

Just as you dig through boxes for last year’s décor and make shopping lists for family feasts, October is for collecting everything you need to build your story. Jot down every idea, theme, character, or sketch a scene that comes to mind. Try writing a one to two-sentence summary for your plot, pick your genre and mood, and lay out a simple beginning, middle, and end.

Trick: Each day, set a timer for ten minutes and brainstorm everything – without judging or editing!

Treat: Make a playlist or mood board that fits your story’s genre and vibe to get into the spirit.

As you plan, ask yourself: Who are these characters? What happens that is truly unique? And why does this story matter to you?

 

Cozy Up Your Writing Space – Environment and Tools

Just like prepping your living room for a season of gatherings, October is your chance to refresh your writing environment. Clear distractions, add a bit of festivity with a candle, blanket, or string of lights, and gather the essentials that comfort you.

Think of your tools as part of your fall routine. Whether it’s a journal, a favorite pen, or Scrivener loaded with scene cards, each item should make you want to stick around and create.

Trick: Add one new touch to your environment - maybe a cute notepad, a new mug, or something seasonal you can see when you sit down to write.

Treat: Enjoy a seasonal snack, hot apple cider, or simply enjoy a few quiet moments on your own before your next writing session.

A welcoming space helps set your intentions each day.

 

Plan Your Writing Calendar – Schedule and Routine

Just like organizing your holiday schedule, October is the perfect time to plan how, when, and where you will write in November. Real life gets busy with work, family, appointments, and holiday events, but blocking out dedicated writing time ahead of the season helps make your goal more manageable and enjoyable.

Start by reviewing your calendar to find times that already work best for you. Maybe it is during lunch breaks, at a coffee shop after work, or while waiting in the doctor’s office. Look over your weekly habits and decide which times can be consistently reserved for writing. I like to use my iPhone or Google Calendar to plan writing blocks, set reminders, and track my session times for each project. My digital planners help to break down sprints and keep a visual of my daily goals.

Trick: Give yourself extra time to review your full month and create a writing plan that fits around your existing commitments. If your schedule changes often, pick two or three time options so you always have a backup plan. For inspiration, you can revisit my Sprint or Steady blog to find your personal writing rhythm.

Treat: Celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small. Completing a paragraph while waiting for an appointment counts just as much as finishing a full writing sprint at home. Each page written brings you closer to your November goal.

A simple plan helps you balance life’s chaos and keeps the overwhelm away.

 

Keep the Spirit Alive – Motivation and Inspiration

October is the time to set up little sources of inspiration for when November’s motivation dips. Having these ready lets you keep writing even on long days.

Trick: Test out a few different rituals or routines that help you switch into writing mode. Try a new playlist, set up images that make you excited about your story, reread a favorite opening scene, or do a quick warm-up exercise before you sit down to work.

Treat: Stock up on rewards like trail mix, seasonal teas, or even a handful of candy corn to mark your milestones, and share encouragement with a friend for extra motivation.

Kindness and preparation now will help your creative energy last, no matter what the season throws your way.

 

Conclusion: Celebrate What You Build

By December, the pages you write this fall will be wrapped up in the memories of the season. Your work-in-progress will carry the same imperfect, joyful spirit as any great holiday get-together. Take pride in each step, from your messy outline to your final polish.

So pour something warm, turn on the lights that make you smile, and step into the season of creativity you’ve prepared for. You’ve got everything you need to write your story, one word at a time.