Here’s the basic architecture of the 7-day challenge, along with a few recommendations:

• Daily Word-Count Goals (or Time-Based Goals): We recommend choosing a word count goal that stretches and excites you without being overwhelming. Your goal could be 500, 800, or 1,000 words—for example. Simply find the number that lights you up and commit to it for each of the seven days. 

Alternatively, if you would prefer your goal and commitment to be time-based, choose a writing window that feels doable and inspiring to you. Is it 20 minutes each day? 30 minutes? A full hour? 

Also, what is the best time of the day for you to write? Early morning, afternoon, post-dinner, or perhaps late in the evening? Whatever you choose, allow that timeframe to be one of your top priorities during the 7-day challenge. 

• Daily Inspiration: In addition to the connection provided during our live weekly sessions, you will receive daily emails in your inbox for the 7 days of the challenge. Not automated messages, but real, impassioned cheerleading from two people who know the power of making a commitment to writing and having a deadline. (Note: If you decide not to participate in the challenge, the emails will still arrive in your inbox for the seven days, and you can simply delete them.)
  
  

• On each day of the challenge, if you would like to share with us the number of words you’ve written or the amount of time you’ve devoted to writing, we would love to know! All you need to do is “reply” to our daily email, jot down your numbers, and hit send. We’ll keep track with you as you go!
    

• Group Check-In Call: On Monday, January 19th—from 12:00pm-1:00pm Pacific time–we’ll be hosting a live Zoom call where you can circle up with us to share how the challenge is going for you and what you’ve accomplished by that time. Hearing where others are in their own writing challenge process can also provide great inspiration for finishing the challenge strong! This call is completely optional, and yet we would love to see you there if you can make it. Here is the Zoom link for the call: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83575763130

• How to Approach the 7 Days — structured, intuitively, or a merging of the two: 

A structured approach is where you let your word-count goal or time-based goal lead the way. Also, if you already have a working outline for your book, you might decide in advance of each writing session to focus on a particular chapter, or story, or a part of the process your book may be based on (depending on your genre: self-help, teaching memoir, etc.). 

An intuitive approach would be led by your connection with your inner self and/or the divine (by whatever name you resonate with) — where you might simply ask for guidance and inspiration. “Show me the way. Guide me. What is most important for me to write about today?”   

We find that many writers like the alchemy of both approaches! For example, you might set an 800-word goal and ask to be guided from a deep place in your heart as your fingertips meet the keyboard. Mix it up and discover what works for you. The daily emails you’ll receive will support any variation on these approaches!