Hello, my fellow book enthusiasts and writers! It’s that time of the year again when writing challenges take the literary world by storm (*hint* for my next book). For those who may not be familiar with it, writing challenges are popular in November because it encourages writers to complete 50,000-word novels in just 30 days. It’s a thrilling and demanding endeavor that unites authors from around the world. However, this year, I’m taking a step back from the the Writing Challenge frenzy.

Writing Challenges mean a lot to me, actually. I finished Go Easy on Me during November 2020 – so it will always hold a special place in my heart!

As a writer and a Clinical Director of a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, I understand the exhilaration and pressure that come with this annual event. While Writing Challenges are a fantastic experience for many, this year I’m choosing not to take part. Instead, I want to share my reasons for this decision and why it’s vital to prioritize your own needs and choices when it comes to your creativity (and mental health). Hopefully, some of these reasons resonate with you!

1. Work-Life Balance: As someone who works full-time in a demanding role, my work often involves long hours of Zoom sessions with clients. While I wholeheartedly support the idea of pushing your writing boundaries, I’ve realized that forcing myself to write intensively after a grueling workday can lead to burnout. It’s essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain our creativity and mental well-being.
2. Protecting Your Mental Health: Writing is a cathartic outlet for me, a way to explore my thoughts and emotions. However, the stress and pressure of Writing Challenges can sometimes do more harm than good. For someone who needs to be at their best for clients who depend on them, it’s crucial to safeguard their mental health. I’ve chosen not to participate this year to maintain that equilibrium.
3. Setting Realistic Goals: Instead of embarking on a Writing Challenge journey, I’ve decided to set more attainable writing goals for myself this month. I believe in the power of consistency, even if it’s a few hundred words a day. By setting goals that suit my current situation, I can maintain a loving relationship with my writing, rather than pushing it to the brink. Another goal of mine is to reach out to other writers and begin Critique Partner relationships. I’m so excited to read other works from my writer-friends–this always encourages me and ignites that passion to keep writing for myself. Finally, my last goal is to cheer on my writer-friends who are participating in Writing Challenges! Go you, boo!
4. Avoiding Creative Burnout: Writing is a labor of love for me, and I don’t want to risk falling out of love with it. The constant pressure to meet daily word count targets during Writing Challenges can sometimes lead to creative burnout. By giving myself the freedom to write at my own pace, I can nurture my creativity and ensure it remains a joyous pursuit.

For all of you participating in any Writing Challenge, I’m here to cheer you on! Your dedication and determination are awe-inspiring, and I wish you all the success in the world. But remember, it’s perfectly okay not to join a Writing Challenge if it doesn’t align with your current circumstances or mental state.

Writing is a deeply personal journey, and each of us has our own unique process. Whether you’re typing away fervently in November or writing at your own pace throughout the year, the most important thing is that you continue to write and cherish your craft. Your words matter, and the world is waiting to hear them, whether in 30 days or over several months.

If you’re a reader/book enthusiast reading this–be sure to support your favorite authors by reading and reviewing their books online. No matter how long it took for them to write their novel, they are giving you a personal gift–a gift from their minds and their hearts. Thank you for always supporting writers!

Writers: let’s continue to support each other and celebrate our shared love for writing, all while prioritizing ourselves and our creativity. Happy writing, in your own way!