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The Writing Life, Drafting Kristen Kieffer The Writing Life, Drafting Kristen Kieffer

How to Make The Most of a Writing Challenge

With National Novel Writing Month just six weeks away, it's time we had a chat about writing challenges. 

A writing challenge can take many forms. It can be a simple self-imposed goal or deadline. Or it can be a community-based event that encourages you to write daily or weekly short fiction, a 50,000-word novel in a month, or another goal entirely.

Whatever the intended output, writing challenges can present great opportunities to improve your writing skills and commitment to the craft. But writing challenges have a dark side that isn’t often discussed.

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The Writing Life Kristen Kieffer The Writing Life Kristen Kieffer

Eight Reasons to Participate In NaNoWriMo

Want to challenge yourself to write with consistency and commitment?

Consider joining this year’s NaNoWriMo challenge. Short for National Novel Writing Month, this annual event challenges participants to write 50,000 words of fiction in the month of November, an average of 1,667 words per day.

Every year, over 500,000 writers worldwide take part in this online and in-person event — and that number continues to grow. What makes NaNoWriMo such a popular affair?

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Discussions Kristen Kieffer Discussions Kristen Kieffer

Ten (Hard!) Truths Every Writer Should Know


Living the writing life isn't always easy.

Last week, I shared ten encouraging truths I believe every writer should know — truths that help us banish writing doubts, find confidence in our skills and abilities, and stay motivated when writing gets tough — but they weren't all the truths I had to share. You see, sometimes we need a little tough love to push us forward.

Today, I have ten hard truths to share with you — truths that may not be so pleasant to hear, but must absolutely be heard all the same. I share these truths not to discourage you from writing, but to break down the misconceptions and false beliefs that may be holding you back from living your very best writing life. So, let's get started, shall we?

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Discussions Kristen Kieffer Discussions Kristen Kieffer

Ten Truths Every Writer Should Know


We all need a little encouragement from time to time.

I don't know about you, but never do my writing doubts hit harder than when I'm trying to pursue a big goal or I'm working under pressure — two things you're likely experiencing now that we're a few days into National Novel Writing Month.

But even if you aren't trying to write 50,000 words this month (or if you're reading from the future. Hello!), we all need some encouragement as we make our way through this crazy, messy writing life. That's why I'm bringing you ten encouraging writing truths today! Shall we dive in?

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