Whether it's your first time or your seventh time, writing a novella in 12 weeks isn't easy. As a 2021 ONC Winner and two-time Honorable Mention (2023/2024), I totally understand. After years of participation and reflection, I have lots of advice to share on how I wrote a winning novella and look forward to writing every year. Inside this guide, you can find everything from insider tips to craft chats to contest commentary. So grab a cup, get your notebook, and settle in: it's time to start writing! Copyright © 2022 Elle Chaika

Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or a first-time writer, our ONC Writing Tips are here to guide you on your journey. Prepare for the ONC with expert advice and inspiration - your legendary story starts here!

*Book One in the Gentleman's Proposal Series* In Victorian England, Miss Augusta Browning has few marriage prospects. Thankfully, she has a thriving career - one that absolutely no one can know about. Sebastian has just inherited his father's estate. Or, rather, his many debts. Nearly penniless, Sebastian must marry and quickly turn his new wife's dowry into another fortune to save his family name. And he knows one woman who is available and unlikely to cause scandal.

When darkness falls, the vampires come out. Sixteen-year-old Kiara Morrow knows that better than anyone. She's been trained her whole life to wipe bloodsuckers off the face of the earth. But then she meets Luke. He's a vampire but he's unlike any vamp Kiara's ever known. ***** Luke may be what Kiara's been looking for her whole life, but as far as her family is concerned, the only good vampire is a dead vampire. The closer she grows to him, the more Kiara is forced to confront the foundation of lies her life has been built on. But Kiara's bloodthirsty family isn't the only problem they have to face. People in town are dying. Something evil is looming on the horizon... [[word count: 100,000 - 150,000]] Cover designed by Holly Thurston

It started on Wattpad and now it's hitting the screen. Read the original story that inspired the film and then watch KISSING IS THE EASY PART now available on Tubi. KISSING IS THE EASY PART is published by Wattpad Books. Please order from the link in my profile. *** Being beautiful might as well be Flora Morgan's only talent. Some of the words she hates include economy class, second-hand clothes, and budget. She likes fashion, dating, not being on time and getting what she wants - until she meets Sean, who is like the clock striking midnight; he erases all her magic power. He is as mature and sophisticated as the dark roasted coffee he drinks, while she is like a lollipop: colorful, dazzling on the outside but empty calories and artificial sweeteners on the inside. The attraction is instant, but getting a kiss is only the first step. To keep their fire burning, they must accept each other's differences and decide if what they're building is strong enough to survive trials, jealousy, expectations, and the fear of becoming someone they no longer recognize.

She's sunshine in human form. He's the storm that could ruin everything. When bubbly event planner Lila Hart crashes into the life of cold, calculating lawyer Adrian Cross, sparks fly where they shouldn't. She's determined to prove herself, he's determined not to fall for her charm. But fate has other plans. Just as their fragile love begins to bloom, one cruel misunderstanding shatters it all. Adrian's harsh words don't just break Lila's heart-they destroy her career and the future she worked so hard for. Now he knows the truth. Now he'll do anything to win her back. But some wounds cut too deep... and forgiveness isn't easy. 🔥 A story of love, betrayal, groveling, and second chances. For fans of slow-burn romance, morally grey heroes, and heroines who refuse to be broken.

"This story is WOW!!! How I wished it didn't come to an end!" - chysungal "Did you kidnap me?" he asked. Gigi's eyes widened and she shook her head furiously. "No!" "How did I get here?" he asked, his tone was strong but beads of sweat covered his forehead. His eyes flashed at her. "I heard stealing is common occurrence for you people." Gigi clenched her fists, as heat raced to her cheeks. "We don't-" "I heard tales that you once stole a nobleman's daughter." Her blush deepened down to her collar bone. "We don't capture people. And Lady Brixton left on her own accord." The sailor's gaze remained accusatory. "Do you know who I am?" he demanded. Growing up as an Eldin vagabond, Gigi has lived her life on the outskirts of cities and been regarded as the scum of society, dreaming of a better life she never imagines will be hers. When she saves a young man from drowning and receives news of her uncle's death, these two events send the life she knows on a different course. "I LOOOOOOVE IT SNFVJSNSDN - wisdom filled words of a 17 year old" - Amns22 "I forgot to mention it, but I haven't read a book I crave like this one in a long while." - Tis-but-a-fleshwound "You're killing me!!!! I already love this book!" - Ellie_Rivas "I love this book l.💖💖💖💖 One of the best books I've ever read" - kiachouwasama "So I have never read a fantasy book and I love the way that you write so I thought why not give it a try because I'm not here for a long time but for a good time. And guess what? I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!" - Rose_Gold786 "Where have you been all my life? On wattpad that is 😁. You're such a great writer am baffled! Lost for words. Everybody who likes balls ladies princes and dance should definitely come find this gem." - I_cant_scream "I'm in love with this story. I can't wait for the other chapters.❤❤❤❤❤❤ - Clockwiserose A Loria Tale # 1 #3 in Teen Fiction #1 in High Fantasy #13 in Romance

Now available in paperback! "I LOVE IT!" - CarniaHolmes "I'm going to break your nose, because I don't like your face," Carter said. She pointed to Zac. "I'm going to dislocate your other shoulder, just to make them even." She cocked her head and gave the main guy a sickly sweet smile. "I'm going to break your wrist, taking away your baseball career. And finally you, Finch," she said, looking to the last guy. "I'm going to bust your ankle because I don't like the way you walk." She slid her hands into her pockets. "Now, how does that sound to all of you? And please feel free to look amused, skeptical or patronizing at this point. I'll have all the more fun wiping the expressions off your faces." Carter Owens, daughter of a Secret Service agent, is trained to disassemble any weapon, any situation, and anyone. Her biting sarcasm and razor-sharp mind make her impossible to beat in a word fight and when talking doesn't work, she uses her fists. She attends Hamilton Prep, Washington D.C.'s most prestigious high school, where everyone is related to someone in power, except her. When Hamilton Prep receives a flood of new students, Carter's role as social outcast changes when she makes two unexpected friends. Friends who are hiding a secret. As Carter uncovers the truth, she confronts challenges she is unequipped to handle and finds herself in a dangerous situation. For a girl trained to see everything, Carter never saw this coming. "This is one of those books that seem like it won't be really good, but then it's mindblowing-ly amazing and then you're questioning life =)" - rwrites07 "#rr for like the 10th time haha love this book" - tahls16 "I loved this book, it wasn't cringey cliche or stupid. I normally hate third person books but I loved this and all the characters, especially carter." - lenathedov Editor's Choice Talk of The Town #1 Teen Fiction, #1 Fiction #1 Love #1 Completed #1 New Adult #1 Friendship #1 Funny #1 Drama

"Mooooorrrrrrrreeeeeeee, this book is like air, i need it!" @noromance101 "These chapters are written BEAUTIFULLY! You are, without a doubt, my favorite writer on this site. " @nagykt "Reading this feeds my soul." @Yrthraethra Sixteen-year-old Mirra can see people's memories. She is a Shadow Weaver, one of the outlawed, glitter-eyed race feared in her land and forced into brutal slavery as children. She and her brother Kel have escaped their fate by hiding near the frozen mountains. But when bounty hunters snatch Kel, Mirra injured and unable to track long distances will lose him unless she gives herself up to his captors. As as a Shadow Weaver who's survived childhood and whose golden-flecked irises have faded, concealing her talent, Mirra's own value is priceless on the black-market. Taken to a lawless town in the northern territories, Mirra convinces her captors to sell her to a mysterious young man destined for the same province as the officer who has bought her brother. The young man is the Kingdom's missing Prince, feared dead after his escort was attacked on an expedition. He has been in hiding, waiting for a Shadow Weaver whose skill he can use to discover who ordered his assassination. But before he will risk breaking his father's law and taking Mirra to the royal court, he must test her talent and her ability to hide it. If Mirra fails, her hopes of seeing her brother again will be cut by the noose around her neck. HIGHEST RANKING #1 in Fantasy on Wattpad. #1 Amazon Sword & Sorcery This book was taken down in DEC 2017 due to publishing restrictions. It is now possible to put it back up on wattpad. From March onwards 2 chapters will be posted per week until the completed book is available.

Zoey Gunner never visits Pine Falls, Colorado, her mother's mysterious hometown. But when Zoey's estranged grandmother passes away, the crafty crocheter volunteers to venture into the unknown to clean out the woman's cabin. Besides, she needs some distance from a set of lovingly overbearing brothers. A chance to prove her independence. But when an unclear flyer lands Zoey and her balls of yarn in the middle of a motorcycle club's bar, she becomes tangled with the residents of Pine Falls. One handsome biker in particular seems hell bent on tying her up in knots. Warner Jameson wants Zoey. She smells like the perfect mate with a side of maple syrup and her laughter is the sweetest sound he's ever heard. When the woman appears in the Dark Moon Riders' bar toting a bag of crafts and showing no fear toward the mass of intimidating bikers, it's all Warner can do to keep from kneeling at her feet. The problem is, not only is Zoey an out-of-towner, she's human. And he's...not. Unwilling to let his supernatural secret ruin his happiness, Warner decides to show Zoey just how lovable a monster can be. It helps that she needs rescuing a time or two. But what start out as unlucky accidents, soon become clear actions of sabotage against the woman he's falling for. Someone in Pine Falls doesn't want Zoey sticking around. Asking her to stay is dangerous but leaving means a broken heart... *Note: this story has not been professionally edited. Sorry for any typos!