Ready, set, write!

NaNoWriMo is all about quick bursts of creative energy—whether that's writing a novel in 30 days, or challenging yourself to a 10 minute word sprint.

So we proudly present...the NaNoWriMo Writing Marathon. From Wednesday, April 10 to Sunday, April 14, we’ll provide two challenges a day. You can find them below and on our Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Day 1, Wednesday, April 10: 

• Writing Challenge: Work on your draft for just… 10 minutes! That’s right, we’re easing you in. Small creative moments add up to big accomplishments, and we think you can find a few minutes somewhere in your day. (Maybe right now?) And if you already have a writing routine that exceeds this mark, you’re ahead of the pack.
  
  
• Community Challenge: After you’ve finished your sprint, pass the baton: recruit a friend to continue the Marathon with you. Check our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to tag them in a comment—or post on your own with the #NaNoWriMoThon hashtag.

Day 2, Thursday, April 11: 

• Writing Challenge: Work on your draft for just 20 minutes! That’s less time than it takes to take a shower. Or watch an episode of The Dragon Prince. Or fall down a Wikipedia hole while you’re researching a minor character’s backstory. Find a 20-minute chunk of time today to push forward for the next leg.

• Community Challenge: When you’ve finished your jog, cheer on the community! Make a fun marathon sign—or even just a Post-It note—to encourage your fellow writers. Post it on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the #NaNoWriMoThon hashtag, and tag a friend who could use some writing cheer. (We'll repost our favorites, too.)

Day 3, Friday, April 12: 

• Writing Challenge:Work on your project for 30 minutes. Set a timer, pick a peppy playlist, put on your headphones and get to work. Dealing with parents asking about chores? Promise to unload the dishwasher once your 30 minutes are up. It’s the perfect length of time to make some real progress without having to totally abandon your other daily responsibilities.
  
  
• Community Challenge: How do we do it? We’re borrowing another concept from marathon runners: let’s join a pack to get through it together. Find a friend to write with and help keep you on pace.

  Maybe that’s on the YWP forums, the @NaNoWordSprints Twitter account, or maybe in the NaNoWriMo Facebook group. Whatever your method may be, there’s strength in the pack.

Day 4, Saturday, April 13: 

• Writing Challenge: Work on your draft for 60 minutes! One whole hour can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the perfect amount of time to really settle into a creative space. If you find it hard to concentrate, try the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of writing followed by a 5-minute break, then repeat.
  
  
• Community Challenge: Before you start your hour today, why not write that sweetest of pages: the author dedication! Think of a person to whom you’d like to dedicate today’s efforts, and tag them on social media to let them know you care—and perhaps to low-key brag about your marathon-ing? Be sure to use the #NaNoWriMoThon tag to spread the love.

Day 5, Sunday, April 14: 

• Writing Challenge: Dig deep and work on your creative project for 120 minutes. Maybe that's two hours straight, two one-hour writing blocks, or four 30-minute writing sessions throughout the day. Because here's the thing: just one awesome writing day can give you the juice to reach the finish line.
  
  
• Community Challenge: Once you've powered through some writing, it's the perfect time to catch your breath and reward yourself. Share your post-marathon personal reward on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook—and use the #NaNoWriMoThon hashtag so we can celebrate with you! (We recommend some kind of sweet treat—boba, a cupcake, a candy bar… it's all welcome.)
  
  

The NaNoWriMo Writing Marathon is also an opportunity to support our nonprofit. Help us cross the finish line of our $10,000 goal to keep our creative programs going. Plus, donate $25 or more and receive an exclusive, limited-edition “Keep Writing” patch—available only during the Marathon.

Make a donation!