Gearing Up for the Finish Line
Days 10 & 11
Alright, we’re coming down to the wire with this 14-day writing challenge, and while I might not hit the 40,000-word goal I originally set, I’m honestly feeling really good about the progress I’ve made. I’ve still got a few days left, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.
Progress Isn’t Just About the Word Count
Here’s the thing—these past couple of days have been less about adding to my word count and more about strengthening my story’s foundation. I’ve been focusing on revising the rising tension, foreshadowing key moments, and adding in some red herrings to keep things interesting.
Have I written thousands of words in my notebook, scribbled ideas in my journal, and filled pages with notes? Absolutely. None of it’s in the manuscript yet, but it’s all going to make my story so much better when I go back to draft those scenes.
Honestly, the time I’ve spent plotting and refining has made me feel more confident about where my story is headed. I know this novel is going to be so much stronger because of the groundwork I’ve been laying.
There’s Still Time to Write
The challenge isn’t over yet! I’ve got until the 5th, and I’m ready to put in the work. My plan is to take all these notes and ideas and translate as much as I can into actual scenes over the next few days. Who knows? I might surprise myself with how much I can get done.
Beating Writer’s Block and Finding My Groove
I’ll be honest—these last few days haven’t been without their struggles. I hit a pretty rough patch of writer’s block and spent a lot of time journaling through my frustrations.
But then I found Brandon Sanderson’s 2020 Creative Writing Lectures at BYU (they’re free on YouTube and amazing!). His insights, especially about delivering on promises to the reader, completely shifted my perspective. Suddenly, I could see how all the pieces of my story fit together, and I felt like I had a clear path forward again.
That breakthrough was exactly what I needed to shake off the block and dive back into my story with fresh energy.
Discovering More About My Story
I’ve had some really exciting revelations about my characters and themes over the past few days. For example, my FMC’s struggle with guilt might make her a bit unlikeable at first—but that’s okay! It’s part of her arc, and by the end of the story, she’ll have grown into someone who doesn’t let her past define her.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I love writing. Every time I uncover a new layer of my story, I get even more excited to bring it to life.
What’s Helping Me Stay Motivated
Here are a few things that have been keeping me going:
Treadmill writing sessions: Walking while I write has become my go-to ritual. The movement helps me think creatively, and it’s a great way to start the day.
Brandon Sanderson’s lectures: I can’t recommend these enough. They’re packed with helpful advice, especially if you’re writing sci-fi or fantasy.
Journaling: Whenever I feel stuck, I let myself vent on paper. It clears my head and helps me get back on track.
Looking Ahead
Even though I might not hit 40,000 words, I’ve written so much during this challenge—between my manuscript, notes, and journal entries, it’s probably more than I realize. I’m planning to tally everything up at the end of the challenge, and I can’t wait to see the total.
More importantly, I know I’ve added so much value to my story. It has a stronger structure, more depth, and a clearer direction. That’s what really matters.
With a few days left, I’m determined to make the most of them. No matter what the final word count is, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and excited to keep building on it.
So, if you’re doing a challenge like this, remember—it’s not just about the numbers. Every step you take brings you closer to finishing your story, and that’s what counts.