Every summer I try to challenge myself to write more. Ironically, summer is usually a slower time for me. So it’s the best time of year for me to get a grip on my current writing project. This summer is no different and I’ll be sharing my writing challenge experiences. Feel free to join me. It’ll be a win-win situation.
The challenge is to write at least 500 words a day, which comes out to about two double space pages. The weekly goal would be 3500 words or about 14 pages. So even if a day slips by—there is still the weekly goal. By the end of the challenge, I could have about 45,500 words, which comes out to about 182 pages. Hey, that’s a middle-grade novel!
The best part about the challenge: There are no rules. Just write at least 500 words about anything. If you get more than 500 words—that’ s great, more meat for your taco. The goal is to get words on paper however you can and watch the pages grow.
For me, I’ll be concentrating on rewriting the middle part of my current novel. This current revision has led me to dump 10 chapters—and find something else that works better.
The challenge is 13 weeks—June 1st until August 31st. Don’t worry about the number 13 being a bad sign. In many cultures, this number means luck and prosperity. Plus, it’s also the age when children become teens. So for this challenge, the number 13 is going to be a positive talisman.
I’ll do milestone posts every Monday until August 31st. I’ll also post inspirational quotes from some of my favorite craft books. If you do the challenge with me, I hope that you will post your progress as well.
So let’s get this thing started! The Summer Challenge is officially on!
One of the several craft books that I will use for inspiration this summer is The Writer’s Portable Therapist: 25 Sessions to a Creativity Cure by Rachel Ballon, Ph.D.
Dr. Ballon says you should use all these traits to write every day:
Commitment
Risk
Energy
Action
Truth
Enjoyment
Which is also an acronym for C R E A T E.
So put this on a post-it note or write it down on your legal pad before you start writing and make it happen.
Now go write something already!
This is great Karen! I just blogged this morning (wherethesandbarends.blogspot.com) after not blogging for months. Your challenge will help me keep stay motivated!
Karen, You’re on! 500 words a day it is.
Sara
That’s a nifty acronym you found. I’ll have to remember it. I believe in lucky 13 too! I flew on a plane on Friday the 13th so I had to believe in it.
Yay for the challenge!
I’m in!! I need this to remind me why I love writing, even if it’s going to be rather painful early on. I’ve yet to fall deep into the hole like I want to and I’m hoping merely sitting down every day will do the trick. I should be able to do 500 words a day on my head. ::crosses fingers::
Hi Karen!
ANY words? So I can count blog posts, or commenting, or little yellow sticky notes to myself? :-) Seriously, it’s a grand idea, and if I’m able to follow through on it, think what I’ll accomplish this summer! Thanks for the inspiration, from a fellow Southern Breezer, and good luck to you, too.
Yes, Cathy. Blogging counts too! The Summer Challenge has NO rules—just 500 words on ANYTHING!
There are so many distractions this week (it’s my kid’s last week of school), but I’m going to type 500 words RIGHT NOW on my WIP. I don’t even care if they’re crappy. I just want to keep my commitment to myself.
Good luck, everyone!
I had to leave the house at 405 words, but I’m about to pick it back up now.
578–I did it!
Yay Tee!
Now do this six more times this week! LOL.
So far so good Karen! I’m excited about this task….I’ve already started on my MC description to see where she will take me in the story. Thanks for the challenge. :)
Hmm…suppose this doesn’t include the re-writes on my bloodsucking synopsis.What’s this, day 3 into the challenge. Yup, I can pull an all nighter to catch up, tallyho!
Deb, a bloodsucking synopsis—while terrible in its own right—those rewrite words count too! Good luck. I know that you can get caught up for the week.
This is such a great idea! I’d love to participate. Okay, now I’m off to start my 500 words of the day… :)
Jeanette
(from the Yahoo! TeenLit Group)
Just read the challenge. Is it too late to join in on the challenge? I’m a week behind.
Hi Anna!
You can start the challenge anytime this summer. Just start writing 500 words the day you start and watch your pages grow.
Good luck!
Hi Karen, Hope everyone’s summer is going well. ‘Finished’ my middle grade novel, yeah. Editing starts when school begins on the 10th.
In the mean time, working on my next one and after the 4th page its horrible, haahaa. Back to the pen and paper drawing board.
Thanks for the letting us post, karen. Needed the diversion.
Congrats Deb! Getting the draft done is the hardest part. Now you can revise. That’s my plan after September.
Good luck!