I’ve discovered that I’m the type of writer that likes to spit stuff out and clean it up later. With my current WIP, I’ve tried to have a cleaner first draft, which has caused me to take my time and be more conscientious about scenes I select and being more in tune with my overall plot at all times.

However, the problem is that I’m thinking too much and not writing.

I’m also the type of writer that loves a good writing challenge, which is why I think NaNo has been good for me. There’s just something about knowing I only have X number of days to complete X number of words that pushes me forward.

So I’ve decided to issue myself a “I Just Need to Finish My Novel” Writing Challenge.

And I’d love it if you joined me.

The writing challenge will be simple . All you have to do is write 10,000 words in one week. (Which boils down to 1,429 words a day.)

It will begin next week on Monday, January 7 and end on Sunday, January 13.

I realize for those of you that like to plan ahead, this doesn’t give you much time, but I just thought of it and need to push myself soon. But maybe I’ll do another one again with advance notice, since really I could use a writing challenge every week.

If you want to join in my self-issued writing challenge, just leave a comment and let me know. And I’ll try to pop into your blog sometime this next week to encourage you, and feel free to post updates on your word count if that helps.

And if you don’t need a “I Just Need to Finish My Novel” challenge, but still want a writing challenge to push you forward, feel free to make yours a “I Just Need to Start My Novel” or a “I Just Need to Write My Middle” challenge (which mine might be more like, since I don’t think 10K will finish my novel, but it might get me close). Do whatever, I don’t care. But I do hope you’ll join me in my challenge.

It will be short and sweet, and hopefully it will help us get more of our novels done.