Rogue Writers is a supportive space that values every form of writing, from novels and poetry to role-playing game campaigns, fanfiction, and visual storytelling. We keep the creative energy flowing all year long with fun challenges, learning discussions, co-working sessions, and skill-building workshops. This all culminates in our annual two-month flexible writing and creativity event, Rogue’s Amazing Word Rush (RAWR). Members can also receive optional, constructive feedback through contests and showcase their work and wisdom on our blog and website directory.
We’re a tight-knit, silly bunch with a serious commitment to fostering an inclusively empowering community. Our zero-tolerance policy for bigotry helps us maintain a safe and transparent private Discord server, where members can connect, collaborate, and grow together.
OUR HISTORY & TIMELINE
Established in 2008, the Rogue Writers Network is headquartered in the United States in Southern Oregon’s scenic Rogue Valley.
Our group began small and served as a hub for local writers trying to win the annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) writing challenge. In 2014, we established a popular tradition — hosting an all-region write-in on a 1952 grounded Boeing KC-97 Fuel Tanker aircraft! Over the years, this unique event drew participants to our group from outside the local region. Some traveled from more than two states away to join in the fun!
In 2018, Jenai May became the last leader (aka “Municipal Liaison”) for NaNoWriMo’s Rogue Valley region. In November of 2023, Jenai approached local members with concerns surrounding controversies emerging from within the NaNoWriMo organization. We immediately discussed options for our future. On December 1st, we unanimously voted to separate from NaNoWriMo. On December 4, we changed our name to the Rogue Writers, and formally invited other displaced community writers, worldwide, to join our Discord server.
On December 7, 2023, Jenai May officially founded the Rogue Writers Network: International Writing Community.
On March 31, 2025, the NaNoWriMo organization announced that it was closing.
In its new incarnation, the Rogue Writers Network has continued growing and transforming into a thriving online international writing community. Today, our community includes over 800 members from over 20 countries.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO?
- We value and encourage all forms of writing, including D&D campaigns, fanfic, and graphic novels.
- We hang out in our private Discord server, though you may also find us elsewhere, online and in-person.
- In October and November, we host Rogue’s Amazing Word Rush (RAWR), a flexible annual writing & creativity challenge.
- Year-round, we run smaller monthly writing challenges, fun events, and writing workshops.
- We host members-only writing contests and offer optional constructive feedback. Our contests serve as valuable tools to further develop the writing skills of both contestants and judges.
- We host a blog and free public directory for members who wish to showcase their writing, services, and passions.
- We are prone to silliness and enjoy playing writing games, video games, and drinking tea together.
- Our mascot is an emu named Rogue Widgee.
(Psst… You’ll need to know this to beat the website’s user registration spam challenge.)
CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED
- We’re fiercely protective of our vulnerable members. Bigots and bullies are not welcome here and, when discovered, are quickly shown the door. View our Mission & Values: https://roguewriters.net/mission-and-values/
- We vet new Discord members through a process that shields our current member list against being seen by non-members.
- We are passionate about maintaining transparency regarding our policies, procedures, and decisions, and are receptive to new ideas and criticism. We see the ongoing development and evolution of the Rogue Writers as a group project. Review our community rules here: https://roguewriters.net/rogues-rules/
- Most of our members hold liberal political views, which is reflected in some of our discussion topics. We maintain special spaces where members are welcome to discuss typically sensitive topics, including politics and religion.
- We don’t restrict our language (though we do isolate “adult content” within a private channel).
HOW DO YOU JOIN THE ROGUE WRITERS?
- Join our Discord server .
- Answer the questions listed in our “Waiting Room.”
- Our moderating team will review your answers. (Note: if your answers are especially brief, we might ask follow-up questions.)
- Once the team agrees, they will magically transform you into a Rogue Writer!
- After you’ve been admitted into the Rogue Writers Discord Server, you may request a user account on this website.