The Challenge of the Written Word FAQ

 

1. What is The Challenge of the Written Word?
The Challenge of the Written Word is a month-long writing event in November, designed to encourage human creativity across various formats. Participants choose between writing a novel, short stories, poems, or revising an existing manuscript.

 

2. How is The Challenge of the Written Word different from other writing challenges?
Our event focuses on celebrating human-driven storytelling and is free from AI-generated content. The challenge is community-based and includes structured phases, dedicated support, and a shared focus on authentic writing.

 

3. What are the three challenges I can participate in?
You can choose one of the following:

• The Novelist’s Initiation: Aim to write 30,000 words of a novel or finish the first draft of a new novel.

• The Trials of Verse & Vignette: Write either 15 poems or 8 short stories, with word counts ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 words.

• The Refinement Ritual: Revise an existing manuscript, whether it’s a novel, short story collection, or poetry collection.

 

4. Can I participate in more than one challenge?
We recommend focusing on one challenge for November, but if you feel motivated, you can certainly work on more than one!

 

5. How do I sign up for The Challenge of the Written Word?

There are no sign-ups, however to join the community you must do so via our Discord server. Once there, you’ll be able to track your progress, connect with fellow participants, and access event resources. 

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6. Do you have a preparatory month before November, similar to NaNoWriMo's Preptober?

Yes! Join us in October for The Crafting Grounds where we prepare as a community for November's challenges.

 

7. Is there a minimum word count requirement?
Yes, the minimum word count for The Novelist’s Initiation is 30,000 words. For The Trials of Verse & Vignette, the minimums are 15 poems or 8 short stories. If you choose The Refinement Ritual, there’s no strict word count, but the goal is to complete substantial revisions; ideally the next edited draft of your novel or story/poetry collection.

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8. Can I use previously written work for the challenge?
You can only use previously written material if you’re participating in The Refinement Ritual (revisions). For The Novelist’s Initiation and The Trials of Verse & Vignette, the writing must be new, starting in November.

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9. What’s the role of the Scrollwork Sessions?
Scrollwork Sessions are scheduled writing sprints that take place throughout the challenge. These focused sessions are designed to help you stay on track and make steady progress.

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10. How do I track my progress during the event?
We provide a tracking system through our WriterStats bot on Discord. It helps you log your word count or progress in your chosen challenge, and share updates with the community.

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11. What kind of support can I expect during the challenge?
You’ll have access to a supportive writing community through Discord, participate in writing sprints, get feedback from other writers, and attend optional workshops designed to keep you motivated throughout November.

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12. Can I get feedback on my work during The Challenge of the Written Word?
Yes, community members often share snippets of their work in the feedback channels on Discord. While full manuscript reviews aren’t offered, you’ll find encouragement, input, and advice from fellow writers.

 

13. Is there a prize for completing the challenge?

Participants who complete the challenge will be eligible for various rewards, including giveaways, discounts on editing and design services, and the opportunity to have their work considered for publication. Plus, it’s a major personal achievement, and you’ll have a supportive community to celebrate with you!

 

14. What happens if I don’t finish the challenge?
There’s no penalty for not finishing. The goal is to push yourself and make progress. Even if you don’t hit the exact targets, you’ll have made significant strides in your writing.

 

15. Do I have to write every day in November?
No, but regular writing sessions are encouraged to help you reach your goal. You can set your own schedule, and our Scrollwork Sessions will provide plenty of opportunities to write alongside others.

 

16. Can I participate in The Challenge of the Written Word if I’m already working on a project?
Yes! If you’re currently working on a novel or a collection of poems/short stories, you can use the challenge to continue or finish your work. Just be sure that the writing or revisions happen during November.

 

17. What happens after November?
After the challenge, you can continue refining your work or start preparing it for publishing. We also hold smaller events throughout the year, so stay connected with our community to get all the updates!

 

18. Is The Challenge of the Written Word free to participate in?
Yes, it’s completely free to join the challenge and be part of our community.

 

19. Will there be events other than the writing challenges?
Yes! In addition to the writing sprints and workshops, we host discussions and check-ins to keep everyone motivated throughout November. Plus, we offer additional resources for writers like the 'prompt pit', 'drop-in clinic' and more.

 

20 Can I write in any language?
Yes, we welcome writers from all backgrounds and languages. The challenge is open to any language you feel comfortable writing in.​