Congratulations, NaNoWriMo warrior! You’ve made it to the end of the month, and while your manuscript may still be a little rough around the edges (okay, a lot rough), you’ve done it. 50k words—or close enough—and you’ve survived. Now, it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’ve reached your word goal or not, you’ve committed to your craft, and that’s worth some serious recognition.
Here are 5 ways to celebrate your NaNoWriMo victory:
1. The Humble Brag
Look, you did something big. It’s time to shout it from the (metaphorical) rooftops. Share your achievement on social media—Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or even LinkedIn if you’re feeling extra professional. Post about how you wrote 50,000 words (or more, or less—hey, we’re all in this together) and tag it with #NaNoWriMoWinner. Not only will you inspire others to take the challenge next year, but the writing community is a goldmine of support. Plus, let’s be honest, it feels really good to say, “Yeah, I wrote a book this month.” You earned it.
2. The Printer
Sure, your manuscript might still look like a hot mess of words and questionable plot twists, but there’s something magical about holding a physical version of your work. So go ahead—print it out. Get that baby bound professionally. It doesn’t matter if you’re only halfway through the draft. Having that tangible “book” in your hands will remind you of your hard work and dedication. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people ask, “What’s that on your bookshelf?” You can casually drop, “Oh, it’s my novel.” (Cue dramatic music.)
3. The Read-Aloud Session
You’ve spent the last month wrapped up in your own world, so why not share your world with others? Host a read-aloud session, either in person or virtually. Don’t worry—this isn’t a critique session. No one’s here to tear your beautiful, messy draft apart. This is your time to bask in the glory of having written something. Read excerpts to your friends, family, or fellow writers. Let them hear the magic that you’ve created, even if it’s just 50k words of “chasing the plot.” Celebrate the fact that you did it!
4. The Break
Let’s be real: NaNoWriMo is a marathon, not a sprint. And now that the finish line is in sight, you deserve a break. Take a step away from the keyboard (or phone, or tablet—whatever device you’ve been glued to all month). It’s time for cookies, hot cocoa, and maybe a holiday movie or two. Get some rest, recharge those creative batteries, and when January rolls around, you’ll be ready to tackle the revision process with fresh eyes. After all, the writing journey is a long one. Sometimes you need a little breather before diving into the next stage.
5. The Feast
Let’s not forget the best perk of NaNoWriMo falling in November: Thanksgiving. Whether you’ve hit 50k words or not, it’s time to gather your loved ones around a table and celebrate. What better way to commemorate your achievement than with food, drink, and good company? Share your NaNoWriMo journey with your friends and family, read a few excerpts (especially the funny, “how-did-this-happen” parts), and bask in the glory of your accomplishment. This feast isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s for every word you wrote, every challenge you overcame, and every moment you kept showing up.
Conclusion
NaNoWriMo is no small feat. You dedicated time, energy, and probably a fair amount of coffee to finish this challenge. Even if you didn’t hit 50k, you’ve already achieved something incredible: You’ve committed to your writing, and that’s a huge victory. So take a moment to appreciate yourself. Whether you’re relaxing with a cookie or proudly displaying your printed manuscript, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. And who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll hit that 50k and then some. Keep going, writer—this is just the beginning.
Ready to take your writing even further? Check out our next post for more tips on how to improve your craft—five steps at a time!