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NaperWriMo
Low-tech analog magic for novel writers

NaNoWriMo Hipster PDA Collection

Craft-built by the Naperville, Illinois National Novel Writing Month community. Compact 3"×5" reference cards, plot tools, and encouragement you can clip together and carry anywhere.

🗂️ 3" × 5" Cards + Binder Clip

What is a Hipster PDA? The Original PAPA-Powered Personal Assistant" (Paper-Based, Analog, Portable, Assignment-Driven)

Invented in 2004 by Merlin Mann (43 Folders), the Hipster PDA is a lighthearted, low-tech response to bulky electronic organizers: a simple stack of 3"×5" index cards held together with a binder clip. No batteries, no screen glare, zero distraction.

In 2005, Municipal Leader NewMexicoKid (Tim Yao) brought the concept to the Illinois::Naperville NaNoWriMo region. Since then, our region has designed specialized cards for novel planning, word counts, character arcs, and mental stamina during November.

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Printing & Customization Tips Print cards directly onto 3"×5" index cards or print multi-card 8.5"×11" sheets and cut them to size.
Mix cards with PDF SAM (Split & Merge)
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Essential Writing & Craft Cards

Standalone index card downloads — pick what your story needs!
Mindset & Motivation PDF

Self-Esteem Toolkit for Writers

Adapted with permission from noted author Gerald Weinberg. Satir-inspired wisdom cards to silence your inner critic and give yourself permission to write first-draft junk.

Gerald Weinberg Get Cards
Plotting & Prompts PDF

Story Question Cards

Created by K. Kitts. A structured set of prompt cards asking probing questions about character motivation, conflict, stakes, and narrative direction when you're stuck.

K. Kitts Get Cards
Story Architecture PDF

7-Point Structure & Emotion Chart

Dan Wells's 7-point structure broken into 3"×5" quick-reference cards, paired with visceral physical reaction charts for character emotions.

Structure Reference Get Cards
Craft Framework PDF

Novel Stone Soup Method

A step-by-step collaborative world-building and plot crafting technique developed in Naperville workshops to layer ideas into a rich story structure.

Workshop Kit Get Cards
Regional Classic (2011) PDF

Cyborg Ninja Helper Wombat

A beloved local regional toolkit featuring emergency word-sprint prompts, novel survival tips, and quirky local lore to break through writer's block.

NaperWriMo Classic Get Cards
Progress & Games PDF

Word Count Calendar & Bingo

Daily 1,667-word trackers, write-in desk place cards, and NaNo Bingo cards to gamify your noveling achievements throughout November.

Trackers & Fun Get Cards
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Annual Complete Editions (2010 – Present)

Complete yearly sets compiled by Naperville Municipal Leaders and local authors.
Edition Features & Theme Contributors Downloads
2021 Virtual Edition Digital Interactive Interactive Google Slides presentation deck formatted for virtual write-ins and digital index card clipping. NaperWriMo ML Team Open Slides
2019 Edition Time Traveler's Guide Timeline planning, historical research sheets, world-building tools, and backstory cards. Jenny Johnson, Sam McAdams, Tim Yao, Ellie Roth ODT
2018 Edition Full craft toolkit with scene planners, conflict generators, and daily goal charts. Jenny Johnson, Sam McAdams, Tim Yao PDF ODT
2017 Edition Superhero Handbook Super-powered character archetypes, origin prompts, and pacing guides. Jenny Johnson, Sam McAdams, Sara Vallejo, Tim Yao PDF ODT
2016 Edition Dialogue checkers, scene transition reminders, and word-count target cards. Sarah Johnson, Tim Yao PDF ODT
2015 Edition NaNo Bingo, 7-Point Structure, Visceral Emotion Reference, and Place Cards. NaperWriMo ML Team PDF
2010 – 2014 Legacy Sets Includes 2014 Stone Soup set, 2012 Nanobots edition, 2011 Cyborg Wombat, and the original 2010 Naperville hPDA release. Tim Yao, K. Kitts, NaperWriMo MLs 2010 PDF

🌐 Community & Region Links

📜 Historical Hipster PDA Links