Why I don't participate in word-count challenges anymore
and what I do instead
Dear reader,
Ahhh… November. “Novel November” as many writers call it. This month is known for its many writing challenges, encouraging aspiring authors to reach a target word count. The concept originated from NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), which tasked writers around the world to complete a 50,000-word novel in thirty days.
The original NaNoWriMo is now defunct, but NaNo 2.0 and other challenges such as the Rough Draft Challenge have sprung up to fill the gap.
I’ve done NaNoWriMo in the past, as well as many other writing challenges, but this year I’m not participating, and I’m not sure I’ll ever participate in a formal word-count-based challenge again.
Why?
I no longer resonate with word-count-based goals. Even for first drafts (unpopular opinion!).
For me, “time spent” is a much more meaningful metric. If I spend thirty minutes thinking through a problem in my manuscript and get zero words written during that time, that’s more valuable to me than hitting an arbitrary word-count goal—especially if I have to force words out to meet it.
Every author is different, of course. Some authors can only work out their story through getting words out. Some authors find that writing fast actually improves the quality of their writing. Some can spill out 50,000 words, do a light edit, and their manuscript’s ready to publish. Everyone has a different process, and loads of authors find word-count goals helpful and motivating.
I’ll stick to the Pomodoro Technique—twenty-five-minute writing sessions with five-minute breaks in between. Whether I add words, cut words, rearrange words, or think about my words, that’s progress!
Maybe one day I’ll start my own “time block” challenge—a challenge to dedicate a set amount of time to writing in the month. Any other authors want to join me? 😋
-Sara
What I’m reading
You Are Here by David Nicholls — This month’s book club read. A very well-written, funny, and sweet book about two reclusive people meeting (and falling for each other) on a walk across the UK. Light on plot but somehow it works!
What I’m watching
The Fiery Priest — I’ve wanted to watch this for ages, and now I’m buckled in and enjoying the ride. A goofy K-drama about a hot priest who fights baddies. What’s not to love?
My latest book
