Resources
Files that may help you in your NaNoFiMo efforts, your NaNoWriMo efforts, or any writing at all.
NEW! Banners and icons Here are some cool NaNoFiMo 2006 participant icons created by members. Large NaNoFiMo graphic created by curlygirl21293. An icon version of the graphic created by curlygirl21293. Small icon by hoshikaze. Small icon by hoshikaze with border animation. Square icon by Pookel. Simple 800x600 wallpaper by Pookel.
Name randomizers These Excel documents allow you to randomize male or female names. Data is from the U.S. Census and includes thousands of first and last names. Please note that a few of the first names are for the wrong gender; this is a flaw in the Census data. To randomize, select a column of names together with the random number column next to it, then go to Data -- Sort and choose the number column to sort by. This will re-order the name list based on the random numbers, giving you a new set of names. Female names Male names If you don't have Excel, you can pick names from one of these large text files I have created based on my randomizers: Female names Male names And for the dice rollers among you, I have PDFs with lists of names numbered 1-100, for use with percentile dice: Given names Surnames
Other randomizers These PDF randomizers on the 1-100 scheme give you options for plot prompts, settings and plot elements, and character traits. The first page of plot prompts also has a grid for generating random two-digit numbers with pencil and paper. These are good to use as rescue devices if you get stuck during writing. Plots, page 1 Plots, page 2 Settings and plot elements Character traits and occupations
Word count spreadsheets These Excel spreadsheets let you enter your daily wordcount and automatically calculate things like whether you're on track to win. The first spreadsheet is a fancy version created by a NaNoFiMo participant (please e-mail me and tell me who you are if you want credit!), the second is a bare-bones version I created myself, and the third is a new spreadsheet for 2006 made by sketchycat, with lots of nifty formulas. Pretty spreadsheet Plain spreadsheet Sketchycat's spreadsheet
Character sheets Trait list A PDF sheet with a checklist of character traits. They're numbered, in case you want to generate them randomly, but it was intended as a list for writers to choose from deliberately in creating a character. These are all PDF files with fillable forms, so you can type in your info and then print the sheet. Basic character sheet A basic character sheet with general topics and a lot of space to write in. Better for people who like more flexibility in creating their characters. Character sheet with prompts A detailed character sheet with pull-down menus suggesting character traits and questions to aid in character creation. Character questionnaire Someone on the NaNoWriMo forums said that character sheets didn't do much for them, that they'd rather answer random questions about the character's personality. I actually agree - I define my characters by their favorite drink and what instrument they'd play in high school band/orchestra! - so I made this questionnaire. The questions are pretty random, but hopefully will give you a good handle on the sort of person your character is. Quick character questionnaire Five characters per sheet, six lines of questions for each character. Covers all the basics of personality, has a lot of flexibility for you to write what you want. This one is the one I made for myself; I don't know how well it will work for other people. Basic plot sheet A simple plot sheet with general topics and a lot of space to write in. You can use this as a summary of the whole novel, with character list, setting, etc. Plot worksheet with prompts A detailed plot worksheet with pull-down menus offering suggestions and specific questions about your plot, for people who want more direction.
Links Generators The Seventh Sanctum This is THE randomizer site. Plots, challenges, characters, names, everything. Skewed a bit toward F/SF and RPGs, but has something for everyone. Kleimo's name generator This is a basic name generator using U.S. Census data. Simple, fast, easy to use. Other NaNoWriMo spinoff sites National Novel Writing Year A year-round challenge that lets you choose your own goal for the year. National Novel Publishing Year A one-year plan for getting your novel ready to submit for publication, including writing, editing, learning about the publishing business, getting critiques, and putting your submission together. National Solo Album Month A number of people stepped up to the challenge of creating a solo album in November 2005. I don't know yet if they're going to repeat the venture this year. 24-Hour Comics Day Not technically a NaNoWriMo spinoff, but a venture in the same vein. This year's challenge (of writing and illustrating a comic book in 24 hours) takes place on Oct. 7, so check it out early. National Novel Editing Month Sadly, NaNoEdMo appears to be defunct. In the past, it has been a challenge to edit your novel in March. I'm leaving the link up in case it gets resurrected.