That's a Wrap! — Lessons, Wins, and Next Steps
Days 12 - 14 (End of Writing Challenge)
Well, the 14-day writing challenge has come to an end, and what a wild ride it’s been. Spoiler: I didn’t hit my lofty 40k word goal, but honestly? I’m not even mad about it. Over the past two weeks, I’ve learned so much about my writing process, made meaningful progress on my novel, and discovered some incredible resources that have completely reshaped how I approach storytelling. This post is all about breaking down the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from tackling such an ambitious goal in such a short time. Let’s dive into what worked, what didn’t, and how I’m strategizing for the future.
Final Word Count Stats:
End Goal Word Count: 40k (to complete a 70k novel)
Words Written (Days 12–14):
Journal Entries: 5,084
Plotting: 7,833
Total: 12,917
Total Words Written During Challenge: 22,680
Words Left to Write on Manuscript: 33,669
In the end, I came away with 22,680 words—9,763 of which went directly into my manuscript and 12,917 into journaling and plotting. More importantly, I gained valuable insights about myself, my writing process, and how to set realistic goals.
What I Learned
Timing Is Everything:
A high-stakes writing challenge during the holiday season? Not the move. I thought I’d have free time, but holiday prep and family time quickly became a priority.Celebrate Consistent Action:
The most important lesson? Progress matters more than perfection. Even though I didn’t hit 40k, sticking with the challenge and writing daily meant I developed better habits and moved my story forward.Resources Are Gold:
I discovered a treasure trove of writing resources on YouTube. Brandon Sanderson’s BYU lectures, in particular, were game-changers for learning about world-building, character development, and speculative fiction storytelling.
What Worked
Consistency Over Binge Writing:
I built a habit of writing daily—early mornings, late nights, or even jotting notes when I wasn’t near my computer. This challenge turned writing into a routine rather than a “when inspiration strikes” activity.Reflection Strengthened My Story:
Because I wasn’t solely focused on word count, I spent time analyzing my plot structure, character development, and pacing. The result? A clearer and more entertaining story.Sticking It Out:
Even when I realized I wasn’t going to hit my 40k goal, I didn’t give up. I kept writing, and that persistence is something to celebrate.
What Didn’t Work
Holiday Scheduling Woes:
I underestimated how much the holidays would interfere. Family time, holiday prep, and social obligations took precedence, and rightly so. If I’d picked a less hectic time, I could’ve focused better.The Time Crunch & Writer’s Block Combo:
Hitting writer’s block mid-challenge was rough, and the looming deadline only made it worse. It stalled my creativity until I pivoted to research and journaling, which helped me climb out of the rut.Pressure Took a Toll:
Some days, the pressure of “falling behind” got to me. I’d beat myself up for missing daily targets, which only made it harder to bounce back. Learning to forgive myself and keep going was a big mental hurdle.
Strategy Moving Forward
Choose Better Timing:
Next time, I’ll avoid high-pressure periods like the holidays. Having a calm, distraction-free period would make a huge difference.Prep Thoroughly:
I realized I’m a planner at heart. If I’d entered this challenge with my middle acts fully outlined, I could’ve focused more on drafting instead of scrambling to fix the structure on the fly.Celebrate Small Wins:
Instead of fixating on one big goal, I’ll focus on consistent progress. Writing 1,600 words a day is still solid, and if I gave myself a month, I’d be well on my way to 40k or beyond.
Final Thoughts
This challenge was tough, but it pushed me to grow. I deepened my understanding of my characters, refined my story’s flow, and got closer to defining my blended genres (fantasy, horror, mystery).
Would I do 40k in 14 days again? Maybe, with better planning and timing. For now, I’m celebrating the progress I made, knowing every word gets me closer to finishing my novel.
To anyone considering a challenge like this: It’s not about the numbers. It’s about showing up for your story. And that’s what I’ll keep doing.