And So It Begins. . .
Today, November 1, 2025, is the first day of Amethyst, a conservative-leaning answer to the now-defunct National Novel Writing Month. NaNo fell for a variety of reasons, so I figured I’d begin by saying why this will NOT happen here.
First, obviously, grooming is completely inexcusable. I think I can safely say that’s not going to be a problem with our current group of participants, since this is a scaled-down test and I or Chris know most of you. As things scale up, however, this could be a future problem. The rule here: if you see something, say something. Chris and I will not hesitate to toss people if there’s even a possibility grooming or any other illicit activity is going on. We both hope this will be a REAL safe space for kids, and a place where adults can grow their skills in peace.
Second, NaNo started to go woke, and that’s a problem for writers. If we don’t have free speech, it’s impossible for us to grow. Wokism will also not be tolerated. In part, it was an overreaction to, well, words. If, as writers, we can’t handle words, we don’t deserve to participate in writing groups.
Thirdly, NaNo made the decision - heavily influenced by the woke idea that they had to be “sensitive” to the needs of disabled and disadvantaged people - that they would allow AI-generated work, or rather they would not take a stance on it and instead accept it. This was just stupid. The whole purpose of NaNo was to get people to write. That doesn’t mean have a computer write things for you; it means to apply fingers to keyboard, or voice to microphone if need be, and get your ideas captured in the written word. It was to set that habit of writing that a real writer must have. No computer can emulate the things that writing, actual writing, does for a human being; it can only emulate the end result.
Chris and I (and future moderators) will not police this. We are not gatekeepers, just people who are here to help you get into that writing habit and maybe help your writing improve. This entire project is based on your honor; we don’t even have a word-count submission app (yet) that will verify your 50K. But using AI to generate work and then claiming it as one’s own is obviously cheating - and it’s cheating yourself. Again, I know current participants aren’t going to do that - but one should start as one intends to continue. AI-generated work is categorically unacceptable.
I’m sure everyone here today will be happy with these very basic rules. Future participants will abide by them; otherwise they are welcome to try their luck elsewhere.
So, first day: let’s get a good start. I have four websites that help you stay on track putting words on the screen.
Simplicity: Written? Kitten! gives you a kitten photo for every 100 words you write. Period. No login, no account - you go to the site, you type words into the text box, and every hundred words you get a new kitten image in the box to the right. Plus there’s a robust and clear word counter on screen for quick checking.
Not simplicity: 4theWords is a complete game. You are a dust warrior, and the words you write help your little village defeat monsters. You get weapons and other accessories, you level up, and you explore a world. I found it intrusive, but I can also see it becoming addictive. I’d probably recommend this for kids and beginners with a sense of whimsy. It does require an account, but it’s free.
750 Words - like Written? Kitten, this one is focused around a text interface with a good word count, but it’s maybe a bit more grown-up - a good one for word sprints
And to grow all the way up, Pomofocus is just a free online Pomodoro timer just right for sprints. If you’re not familiar with the Pomodoro method, check it out here.
Now go sit down and write, y’all!
Let's goooooooo!
I already have so much in progress, otherwise I would gladly participate. Great to see this, and I will do my best to spread the word.